Thunder Bay seeking artists to design sculptures for Algoma Street

The City of Thunder Bay wants to install more public art on Algoma Street, and the plan is to put some of the sculptures on curb extensions, or bump-outs.

A call has been put out by the city for artists to design sculptures for a section of Algoma, near Bay Street.

The city's supervisor of cultural services said artists can submit designs for up to four sculptures.

"We're looking for something three-dimensional that's going to have some substance and visibility," Leah Bayly said.

"There are of course some restrictions around particularly the locations that are at corners in terms of sight lines for vehicles."

Artists have until June 22 to submit their ideas. According to the city's website, artwork should "complement and enhance the look and feel of the streetscape, business area and neighbourhood."

"It's a call to artists for an initial or preliminary expression of interest, early concept design," Bayly said.

"The area that we're looking at is actually the bump-outs, the traffic calming bump-outs, that have been put in place along Algoma Street."

Bayly added the flower pots that are currently there are temporary installations.

The public will be able to voice its opinion on the art near the end of July, before the final pieces are chosen, she said.

Bayly added the goal is to have the sculptures in place this fall.