Shep (sculpture)
.jpg) Original version of Shep in 2011 | |
 | |
| 45°53′59.2″N 64°30′59.7″W / 45.899778°N 64.516583°W | |
| Location | Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada |
|---|---|
| Designer | Robin Hanson |
| Type | Semipalmated sandpiper sculpture |
| Material | Steel, fibreglass, epoxy |
| Height | 2.4 m (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| Dedicated to | The Shepody Bay |
Shep is a large sculpture of a semipalmated sandpiper in Dorchester (now part of Tantramar), New Brunswick, Canada. Its name is derived from the nearby Shepody Bay. The current steel, fibreglass, and epoxy sculpture was created by Robin Hanson and installed in 2023 as a replacement for the original wooden version by Monty MacMillan, which stood from 2001 to 2020.
Description[edit]
Shep depicts a semipalmated sandpiper and is made of steel, fibreglass and epoxy. It stands 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) tall and weighs around 135 kilograms (298 lb). It was installed on April 8, 2023, as a replacement for a previous wooden version.[1][2] Shep is named after the nearby Shepody Bay, an extension of the Bay of Fundy to which many semipalmated sandpipers migrate during the summer.[3] The sculpture is considered by locals to be an important symbol of the community.[4]
History[edit]
The original wooden sculpture, made by Monty MacMillan,[1] was installed in 2001.[5][6]
In 2020, the Dorchester village council approved funding for repairs to Shep and for the construction of a viewing platform for it. The sculpture was removed so that MacMillan could make the repairs. In 2021, MacMillan discovered that the wooden sculpture had started rotting. Later in the year, all of his tools were stolen, further delaying the repairs.[1][7] MacMillan referred Dorchester mayor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell to French Lake-based artist Robin Hanson, who was subsequently commissioned to create a new steel, fibreglass, and epoxy version of Shep,[8] at a cost of $9,300.[4]
On January 1, 2023, as a result of the 2023 New Brunswick local governance reform, Dorchester was amalgamated with Sackville into the newly formed town of Tantramar. The new town council considered paying Hanson to be a lower priority,[9] causing individuals and organizations to attempt to raise funds themselves to cover the cost of the replacement sculpture.[8][10] On April 8, 2023, the new version of Shep was transported to Dorchester and installed by local volunteers—not by municipal officials.[8] This was well-received by residents,[11] but caused controversy within the new council. Former Dorchester council member Wiggins-Colwell supported the installation of the new sculpture, while other officials, such as Tantramar mayor Andrew Black, considered it to be an insurance and liability risk to the municipality.[12][13]
After complaints of violations of the municipal code of conduct were made against Wiggins-Colwell,[3] Montana Consulting was hired in October 2023 to do a third-party investigation. The work by Montana Consulting, which cost the municipality $19,167.11,[14] culminated in a report that substantiated violations by Wiggins-Colwell, such as a "failure to respect the decision-making process and follow policies, procedures and bylaws."[14] Former Dorchester deputy mayor Kara Becker criticized the investigation, calling it a "witch hunt"[3] and "an embarrassment for the municipality".[14]
See also[edit]
- The World's Largest Lobster, another animal sculpture in New Brunswick
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Butler, Erica (11 April 2023). "UPDATE: Shep is back, and Tantramar council votes to keep it » CHMA 106.9 FM". CHMA 106.9 FM. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ Farley, Sam (17 November 2023). "Unauthorized sandpiper statue in Dorchester ruffles feathers at council". CBC News. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "New Brunswick councillor sanctioned over installation of giant sandpiper statue". CTV Atlantic. 17 November 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b Haggett, Derek (10 April 2023). "Shep the bird statue returns to Dorchester, N.B., but not without controversy". CTV Atlantic. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Piper down: Village in New Brunswick wants giant sandpiper returned to pedestal". Global News. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue returns to its roost in tiny New Brunswick village". Prince George Citizen. 9 April 2023. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ Fowler, Shane (22 March 2023). "Giant sandpiper made of steel, fibreglass, epoxy — and a dash of controversy". CBC News. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Alam, Hina (9 April 2023). "Fly Away Home: fate uncertain for newly returned bird sculpture in Dorchester, N.B." The Canadian Press. Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Piper down: Village in New Brunswick wants giant sandpiper returned to pedestal". Toronto Star. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ Butler, Erica (17 March 2023). "Dorchester residents pitch the return of Shep the Sandpiper to village square » CHMA 106.9 FM". CHMA-FM. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ Alam, Hina. "A giant sandpiper sculpture has returned to an N.B. town — but its fate is uncertain". The Canadian Press. CBC News. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue finds permanent perch in New Brunswick village". Global News. 12 April 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue finds permanent perch in New Brunswick village". The Canadian Press. CTV Atlantic. 12 April 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Alam, Hina (26 February 2024). "N.B. municipality spent $19K to investigate councillor over giant bird statue". The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.