MISSISSAUGA: The City has received a proposal from the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia to donate and install a public art monument in Applewood Heights Park, 3119 Constitution Boulevard.
The artwork, designed by Serbian Canadian artist Lilly Otasevic and titled New Life Weave, honours the first Serbian settlers who arrived in Ontario in 1903 and made Canada their new home.
The artwork consists of a vertical panel and two benches designed to look like a hand crochet pattern that is universal to many cultures.
The artwork features shapes and cultural symbols of both Serbia and Canada, including weaved kilim (tapestry-woven rug), letters from the Cyrillic alphabet, maple leaves and plums.
The donation is subject to Council approval in accordance with the City Acquired Art Policy (05-02-07). If approved, construction is planned for 2022. The donors, consisting of local Serbian Canadian businesses and organizations, will be responsible to pay and fundraise for the artwork and installation, including funds to cover long-term maintenance.
The artwork would become part of the City’s permanent public art collection. The proposed location for the monument is Applewood Heights Park, chosen for its proximity to All Serbian Saints Serbian Orthodox Church.
The fully accessible monument will be placed in the middle of the park, adjacent to the playground and lit pathway, and will provide additional seating for park users. Two Serbian Spruce trees are proposed to be planted next to the monument.
About the artist Lilly Otasevic is a Serbian Canadian artist based in Toronto, whose large-scale sculptural works have been commissioned by several local governments in Ontario and is a member of the Sculptors Society of Canada.
Otasevic recently completed public art commissions for the ION light rail network in Waterloo and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
Public meeting A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.