A Mischief of Could-be(s)

This installation consists of five standing sculptures inspired by how children freely interpret and imagine the world through play. The tree-like quality suggests the idea of a magical forest, while the ambiguity of the gestural forms allows for other interpretations, such as tentacles, snakes, arms, etc. The openness of the design encourages active and imaginative play in a non-prescribed way and creates a stage for children and people of all ages to create a world around them. The colour palette and design are bold and contemporary, giving the artwork an urban look and making it engaging for all ages.

This child-friendly project is a collaboration between the Edmonton Arts Council, local artists, the Child Friendly Edmonton Initiative to involve children living in Edmonton in ways to use art to incorporate playful, child-friendly components within the Civic Precinct.

Two locations in the Civic Precinct include public art pieces that encourage play. Mischief of Could Be(s) is located in the East Gardens – east side of Churchill Square, and its companion artwork UGO is located in Centennial Plaza – south of Stanley A. Milner Library. The artworks explore the idea of connection through a set of two sculptures that evoke both nature and whimsical imagery. The sculptures complement each other and connect the two spaces. 

In 2025, Mischief of Could Be(s) and UGO were recognized with a Creative City Network Public Art Legacy Award and a City of Edmonton Urban Design Award of Excellence, Urban Fragments.