Public Art is about building community and this is my passion.
Public Art has numerous benefits including a sense of ownership, belonging and pride in a community. It highlights local traditions, helps to preserve a collective memory and can unite people towards a common goal.
When citizens become involved in creating public art they form new relationships and develop a better understanding of their community and the people in it.
This Angel Garden Memorial is the result of many people coming together to support their neighbours in a tangible and ongoing way, building a stronger and more compassionate community.
The Angel Sculpture was a team effort, beginning with the inspiration of Dee and Helen, Mike Hepher’s vision and Josh Fennema’s artistic talents and technical expertise. I also want to thank Alex Marriot for traveling to Cranbrook to help out and for the hard work of Derrick and Thomas at the shop.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile project and I hope that this sculpture will always be a reminder to people in the Elk Valley that they are loved and supported by the community around them.
Paul Reimer 
Really enjoyed reading this story and absolutely love your angel. Next time we’re in Fernie (could be years from now, to tell the truth), we’ll make a point of stopping to see the Angel Garden IRL.
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