The Rotary Arts District on Argyle Street has taken another step in its growth.
A multi-part public art piece is now installed in front of city hall on Argyle.
Sooke artist Jake James and welder Adam Plater put the finishing touches on the piece Saturday afternoon.
The industrial metal piece with a deceivingly fine veneer depicts an abandoned logging camp in the woods.
The eclectic collage consists of a skeletal logger, tourist with a camera, rail cart, fallen log, a bird atop a tree and a sword fern.
An official unveiling ceremony is scheduled for later this month.
James originally won the bid to do the piece in March 2010 and started the contract last winter.
Although he’s chipped away at the piece, rain and snow in the Valley prevented him from completing and installing the project until now, he said.
The piece is constructed of steel that had a working life in Port Alberni.
The Industrial Heritage Society, McLean Mill and local resident Soup Campbell donated the metal.
James has bid on other public art projects around the Island too.
“There’s not many other artists doing this kind of work,” James said.
James also has two pieces installed in the Greater Victoria area, in James Bay and Sidney.
To follow James’s progress, check out his Facebook page: Jake James Artist Blacksmith.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com