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Images of the half-built Ascend, with its twin matrix of welded stainless-steel tubes, and word of its cost has sparked anger among some Calgarians still bitter over past controversies.

“I think the city is being hosed by the pricing of art projects that a welding student at SAIT or the welding class at SAIT could do as a project for the cost of material,” said Calgarian Harold Lavack, adding the money would be better spent on homeless military veterans. “I really hate my money going into (something) stupid.”

Haddad, who’s created numerous other major conceptual, site-specific art pieces across North America, said she’s only encountered “a little bit” of resistance to their work in those other locales.

And she questioned why more than a few Calgarians are so vehemently opposed to many public art projects.

“Artwork is never going to please everyone — the people most vocal are the unhappy people, and the people who are happy don’t feel the need to vocalize,” said Haddad, standing on the windswept hillside in the city’s far northwest.

But she said the project received considerable input from the surrounding communities, and recommendations that the art embody the areas’ rolling hills, woodlands and wildlife was taken to heart.

“For the most part, people were pretty receptive . . . they’ll see the landscape, mythical creature, bison horn, everyone will have their own interpretation,” said Haddad, adding it could create a local focal point. “It’ll draw people out here . . . it gives Rocky Ridge an identity.”