Having a say

The city wants the honest opinion of a handful of children to help pick the next piece of art for Marina Park.

On Tuesday, more than 10 children were picked to help chose the waterfront development project’s next public art display. City officials set up three miniature displays that were shortlisted from about 400 works of art at Vicker’s Park.

All the displays featured animals but that’s where the similarities ended. One featured balloon animals, another otters and the last had a mythical serpent diving in and out of the ground. The chosen piece of art will go in the Children’s Garden, located near the waterfront skate park.

Ben Wood, 12, took a good look at the three displays and said that the art should not only reflect the artist but the intended audience as well.

“I was going to go with the balloon animals just because it is the children’s park,” Ben said. “Everywhere you go, you see children with balloon animals.”

Reana Mussato, the city’s public art co-ordinator, said they wanted comments from children because it’s intended that they will be playing and enjoying the sculptures the most. Mussato said she hoped the children would give their honest opinions about the three options and from that be able to have a solid idea of what people would like.

“We’re looking for what appeals to them,” Mussato said. “What do they like, what do they think is going to be fun and is going to continue to be fun for a long time as they grow.

“We’re just trying to spark their imaginations, what seems playful and what seems like a good fit for the park.”

The final selection will be on Aug. 11.