The artwork installation Tuesday was causing very little traffic disruption for Chilliwack drivers

Giant Flowers artwork at dusk in the Evans Road roundabout in Chilliwack. (Submitted)

The 25-foot flowers with multi-coloured petals will be the first public artwork ever to visually enhance a Chilliwack roundabout.

The large-scale project, Giant Flowers by Ronald Simmer, was being gingerly installed piece by piece Tuesday morning with the help of a giant crane on the centre button of the Evans Road roundabout.

The towering stems of flower power will be beautifully lit up at night, and visible from Highway 1. The flower stalks will be illuminated by ground-based flood lights and the flower heads with LED lights.

READ MORE: First of its kind

“Public art has the power to energize and enhance our public spaces, make us think and transform where we live, work and play,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz.

“It is a council priority to foster a sense of pride in our community and public artwork, such as roundabout art, contributes to this feeling.”

The Giant Flowers design was chosen after an exhaustive competitve process that ended up shortlisting three designs.

READ MORE: 10 designs considered

The cost was just under $44,o00.

“We recognize that art is subjective, and some people will enjoy this piece more than others,” said Councillor Sue Attrill, Chair of the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee. “One thing I am certain of is that this piece will get people talking about art, which is wonderful.”

Other public art projects approved by the advisory committee include The Book Man mural, photo-wrapped hydro boxes, the Canada 150 Mosaic Mural, and the mural at Five Corners.

A small driveway installed in the roundabout allowed for the heavy equipment to proceed with the installation with only minimal disruption to the flow of traffic.

READ MORE: Art makes roundabouts safer

READ MORE: Public art beautifies Chilliwack

@CHWKjourno

jfeinberg@theprogress.com

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Giant Flowers the artwork by Ronald Simmer was being installed Tuesday morning in the centre button of the Evans Road roundabout in Chilliwack. (Jennifer Feinberg/ The Progress)

Giant Flowers the artwork by Ronald Simmer was being installed Tuesday morning on the centre button of the Evans Road roundabout in Chilliwack. (Jennifer Feinberg/ The Progress)