Bison - Fort McMurray, Alberta
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T0SHEA
N 56° 59.333 W 111° 33.725
12V E 465844 N 6316288
Produced and financed by Syncrude, these sculptures were the brainchild of artist Brian Clark. They grace the entrance to Syncrude's operations at Fort McMurray.
Waymark Code: WMGAYD
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 02/07/2013
Views: 4
Two years in the making, from concept to unveiling, these reliefs of a small herd of buffalo required the work of several Syncrude employees as well as the services of a sandblasting company, all paid for by Syncrude. Upon seeing the original drawings, the project was heartily endorsed by Syncrude CEO, Jim Carter.
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"The Bison Project began in 1993 with a small drawing from artist Brian Clark which made its way onto Syncrude President & CEO Jim Carters' desk. The original concept was for a 2 dimension sign at the entrance to the minesite.
The initial sculpting began in May 1995 with 2 workers from the nearby Ft. MacKay community. As work progressed into June, Brian's brother Randy Clark was brought in as Project Co-ordinator along with 10 more Ft. MacKay workers and Noremac Sandblasting to make up for rainy weather delays. The majority of work was accomplished through June & July, and completed by the end of August.
The Bison Gateway opening was held on September 3, 1995 with Alberta Premier Ralph Klein unveiling the sculptures to over 3400 people in attendance.
The sculptures attract over 4000 tourists a year to the Bison gateway.
Seven 4 meter tall siltstone Bison, the sculptures average 35 tonnes each."