A massive 17-metre sign with the words “Van” and “East” crossed through the letter A was erected yesterday on a promontory in East Vancouver near the VCC SkyTrain Terminal.
When the sign is lit — likely at dusk tonight — it will be visible throughout the Downtown and from as far away as North Vancouver.
Vancouver artist Ken Lum’s Monument For East Vancouver is one of the major works commissioned through the city’s $6-million Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program.
Rich Newirth, Vancouver’s acting managing director of cultural services, predicted the piece would become an icon in the city.
“This is one of the public artworks that people want to see when they come here.”
The piece, which is located on Clark Drive at Sixth Avenue, will be lit with LED lights from dusk to dawn.
It is one of several major pieces that will be unveiled in the next few weeks.
Newirth expects some people will have a negative reaction to the piece at first, but said it’s expected and welcomed.
“If it doesn’t evoke response, then you’re not really succeeding.”
