By Melisa Black
Lowertown’s Bingham Park has seen some changes and improvements; most recently a public art fence by local artist Cairn Cunnane. The functional and playful artwork entitled Our Fence highlights the entrance of the park at Dalhousie Street and welcomes the community through an elegant gate. This artwork was commissioned by the City of Ottawa Public Art Program – thanks to a policy that allocates 1% from municipal construction towards public art.
The fence is a one-of-a-kind handmade artwork that adds character and playfulness to the community park. The artist intended this unique fence to be fun and filled with curiosities, so he made each section different from the last. While designing and fabricating the 200-foot-long fence, Cairn Cunnane was inspired by the history and natural surroundings of the area. He shaped and bent metal like ripples of water to reference nearby rivers. Majestic stainless steel trees at the gate pay homage to Samuel Bingham, a lumber baron and former Mayor of Ottawa who donated the park and playground in 1897. The fence design also features playful figures in stainless steel that overlap one another, creating patterns and layers connecting to the many generations who have come and gone from this park.
Councillor Mathieu Fleury and the Public Art Program are hosting a public art celebration and community barbeque at Bingham Park on Saturday June 4 at 11 am. All are welcome to come celebrate the artwork and meet the artist. Gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to join the Lowertown Community Association earlier that day at 9:30 am for the 4th annual Bingham Park garden clean-up and perennial exchange.