Spirit of Water Stampede Park, BMO Centre Calgary building, Gerry Judah sculpture Alberta Canada
Spirit of Water, Stampede Park, Calgary
26 June 2024
Design: UK sculptor, Gerry Judah
Location: plaza at BMO Centre expansion, Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Installation of Spirit of Water complete at BMO Centre expansion at Stampede Park
Gerry Judah’s landmark public art piece successfully installed ahead of June 5 expansion grand opening
CALGARY, AB – The eagerly anticipated installation of Gerry Judah’s monumental sculpture, Spirit of Water, has been completed in the plaza of the BMO Centre expansion at Stampede Park.
Spirit of Water’s innovative design by Gerry Judah features pure steel and air, seamlessly integrated to create a visually-stunning sculpture:
Spirit of Water, BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Standing at an impressive 70 feet tall by 45 feet wide and weighing 112,000 pounds, the sculpture now stands as a striking focal point within the expansion’s nearly 100,000 square foot plaza, providing a dynamic gathering space for convention attendees, visitors to Stampede Park, and the people who live, work and play in The Culture + Entertainment District.
“This monumental sculpture serves as a testament to the power of public art in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities, and marks one of the final construction milestones before the BMO Centre expansion’s June 5 grand opening,” said Clare LePan, Vice President of Communications and Strategic Partnerships at Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “The sculpture’s grand scale and striking design will captivate viewers, offering an immersive experience that resonates with the spirit of the Calgary Stampede and of The Culture + Entertainment District.”
Painted with a custom-mixed fluoropolymer blue color top-coat, Spirit of Water embodies the power and vitality of water, symbolizing its dynamic movement and fluidity. Comprised of 211 vertical steel tubes ranging in diameter from 6.5 inches to 7 feet, the sculpture’s innovative design features pure steel and air, seamlessly integrated to create a visually stunning composition.
“Creating Spirit of Water has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I am honoured to see it come to life in the heart of Calgary,” said artist Gerry Judah. “My hope is that this sculpture will inspire viewers to reflect on the beauty and power of water, while also serving as a symbol of unity and connection within the community.”
BMOx Spirit of Water – Gerry Judah:
Spirit of Water was engineered by Diales, fabricated in the UK, and assembled and installed in Calgary by Littlehampton Welding Ltd with local assistance from Heavy. The sculpture’s journey from conception to completion demonstrates the power of global collaboration in realizing ambitious artistic visions.
Commissioned by CMLC and the Calgary Stampede through a rigorous RFQ and RFP process that saw more than 200 submissions, Spirit of Water pays homage to the Calgary Stampede’s rich artistic tradition while pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. As the newest addition to Stampede’s esteemed art collection, the sculpture adds depth and dimension to Calgary’s public art landscape.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gerry Judah’s Spirit of Water to our growing art collection, as art is an integral part of the Stampede’s storied history and celebration of community. This piece joins our 14-piece outdoor public art collection, stewarded by our volunteer Public Art Committee, as well as 85 additional pieces we’ve just installed in the interior of the expansion, with art from an impressive array of artists from across southern Alberta,” said Kerri Souriol, Calgary Stampede’s Vice-President of Park Development and Major Projects. “The awe-inspiring Spirit of Water not only celebrates Calgary’s connection to water and reflects the dynamic spirit of our city and its people, but it will also act as a destination for visitors in our community and around the world to gather at Stampede Park.”
The grand opening of the BMO Centre expansion is scheduled for June 5, 2024, followed by a public event on June 8, 2024, where guests will have the opportunity to tour the new convention centre and experience Spirit of Water firsthand.
About CMLC
Created and owned by the City of Calgary, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) exists to achieve the City’s objectives for urban densification and community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking. An entrepreneurial group of hands-on doers and placemakers, CMLC’s approach is rooted in community participation and designed to strengthen the connections between places, experiences and people.
As the master developer behind Calgary’s East Village and new Culture + Entertainment District, CMLC is leading over $1 billion in city-building projects and is the project lead on pillar projects in Calgary including the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza transformations and the BMO Centre Expansion. CMLC is delivering the 17th Avenue SE Extension & Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station Rebuild project on behalf of their partners at Calgary Transit and the Calgary Stampede.
Gerry Judah at BMOx Spirit of Water:
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs.
Exemplifying the theme, We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
Spirit of Water, BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta images / information received 260624
Location: Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, North America
Designs by Gerry Judah
Gerry Judah Designs on e-architect – selection:
DRIFT – architectural sculpture, Dallas, Texas, USA
photo : Dan Sellers
DRIFT, Dallas, Texas sculpture by Gerry Judah
Sculptures at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, England, UK:
Aston Martin Sculpture Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019
Porsche Sculpture at Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2018
photo : David Barbour
Central Sculpture for Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017
photo : David Barbour
Mazda Sculpture for Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015
photo : David Barbour
Lotus Sculpture for Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012
photo : David Barbour
Another sculpture by Gerry Judah – Jacob’s Ladder, New Zealand
Calgary Architecture
New Calgary Buildings
9th Avenue Parkade + Innovation Centre
Design: 5468796 Architecture in collaboration with Kasian Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning
photo : James Brittain
9th Avenue Parkade and Innovation Centre, Calgary
Calgary Central Library
Design: DIALOG + Snøhetta
photo © Michael Grimm
New Central Library Calgary
TELUS Calgary Tower
Design: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
image © BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
Emporis Skyscraper Award 2020
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Architects: DIALOG
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
St Patrick’s Island Bridge Calgary
Design: W Architecture and Landscape Architecture with Civitas, Inc.
St Patrick’s Island Bridge Calgary
The Slender House, Ogden
Design: MU Architecture
photograph : Stéphane Groleau
The Slender House in Ogden
Modern Farmhouse
Design: Alloy Homes Incorporated
photograph : Joel Klassen
Modern Farmhouse near Calgary, Alberta
Canada Architecture
Canada Architectural Design – chronological list
Vancouver Architecture Tours : city walks by e-architect for pre-booked groups only
Comments / photos for the Spirit of Water, Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta building design by Gerry Judah in Canada page welcome.
