New Public Art Comes to the Olds Sportsplex

Visitors to the Olds Sportsplex will soon have two new reasons to pause and look a little closer.

The Public Art Collective of Olds (PACO), in partnership with Mountain View Power, is pleased to unveil two artworks by local artist Thomas Miko in the Sportsplex.

The first piece, titled Sportsplex, was commissioned specifically for the facility. The large-scale digital work brings together the many sports, activities and people that make the Sportsplex a hub of recreation in Olds. From hockey and figure skating to curling, basketball, volleyball, football, strength training and more, the artwork captures the energy and variety found under one roof and throughout the surrounding community.

The piece is filled with details for visitors to discover, including familiar sport, local references and the passion, determination and grit that come with competition. The ferocious Grizzly is hard to miss, bringing a powerful sense of strength and pride to the piece.

A second Miko artwork can be found in the opposite stairwell in the Sportsplex. The piece is a reproduction of one of the community favourites from Cornerstone Commons, PACO's public art display celebrating Olds and its history, community and future.

The artwork offers a different view of Olds, bringing together elements of the community's agricultural roots, heritage and landmarks with a look toward the future. The additional location at the Sportsplex provides an opportunity for both local residents and visitors to enjoy the work beyond its original display.

"PACO is excited to see these pieces find a home in a place where so many people in our community gather," says Alanna Knobben, PACO Member. "Public art can be something you intentionally seek out, but it can also be something you discover along the way. We hope people will take a moment to stop, look closely and find something that connects with them."

The new artwork is now on display at the Olds Sportsplex.

Visitors are also being invited to "look closer" at the artwork. Both pieces contain details and local references that may not be immediately noticeable, giving visitors something new to discover each time they pass through the Sportsplex.

PACO's ongoing goal is to bring art into the everyday places and spaces of Olds, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience, appreciate and engage with local artists and the stories of our community. Thank you to the Mountain View Power grant for helping these new features come to fruition.

About PACO

The Public Art Collective of Olds (PACO) is a volunteer community group committed to encouraging and supporting public art in Olds and creating opportunities for artists and the community to connect through art. Anyone interested in joining the committee please reach out to Jillian Toellner at the Town of Olds. 

Media Contact:

Jillian Toellner
Supervisor – Communications & Engagement
Town of Olds
communications@olds.ca
Direct: 403-507-4857