New art on display outside the BMO Center at Stampede Park

Visitors to Stampede Park will notice the new sculpture outside the redesigned BMO Center.

The artwork of Jerry Judah, is called Water spiritIt was successfully installed in front of the newly expanded building, which will be officially opened on June 5.

The blue statue is 70 feet tall and 45 feet wide and weighs 112,000 pounds. It consists of 211 vertical steel tubes ranging from 6.5 inches to seven feet in diameter.

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) says Water spirit represents the power and vitality of water, its dynamic movement and fluidity.

“This monumental sculpture is a testament to the power of public art to create vibrant and inclusive communities,” said CMLC spokeswoman Claire LePan.

“The scale of the sculpture and its magnificent design captivates the audience.”

The sculpture occupies approximately 100,000 square feet of space at the BMO Center.

“Creating Water Spirit was a rewarding experience and I'm proud to see it come to life in the heart of Calgary,” artist Jerry Yuda said in a press release.

“My hope is that this sculpture will inspire viewers to think about the beauty and power of water, while also serving as a symbol of community unity and connection.”

The Spirit of Water in Jerry Yuda's BMO Center expansion consists of 211 vertical steel tubes ranging from 6.5 inches to seven feet in diameter.Water spirit Designed by Diales, manufactured in the UK and assembled and installed in Calgary by Littlehampton Welding Ltd with local assistance from Heavy.

It was commissioned by CMLC and the Calgary Stampede.

The design of the “Water Spirit” consists of pure steel and air seamlessly integrated to create a visually stunning composition.“This piece joins the 14-piece outdoor art collection curated by our volunteer Community Art Committee, as well as the 85 additional pieces we've just installed in the interior of the expansion, featuring works by impressive artists from across the South. Alberta,” said Kerry Souriol, Calgary Stampede vice president of park development and major projects.

“Amazing Water spirit Not only will it celebrate Calgary's connection to water and reflect the vibrant spirit of our city and its people, it will also act as a gathering place for visitors from our community and around the world at Stampede Park.”