Sidney, BC.; Sidney, BC;  The Town of Sidney has acquired another sculpture to add to their permanent collection along the Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk as Victoria based Sculptor, Armando Barbon donated his bronze sculpture “Pure Energy” to the open-air gallery.  The sculpture was unveiled in its new location in Beacon Park on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith states, “We are thrilled with Armando’s donation to our community and sincerely thank him for his generosity. The Town of Sidney has always valued and supported the arts and as a Council, we recognize the cultural and economic benefits it brings to our community”.

Italian born sculptor Armando Barbon is the Studio Proprietor of Studio 37 in Victoria. Armando began sculpting in 2000 and since then he has created numerous pieces that have been installed locally and around the world. Some of his works in the region include Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken at the Royal BC Museum and Sir James Douglas at Government House to name only a couple.

The acquisition of Pure Energy was facilitated by ArtSea Community Arts Council, which took over the administration of the Sculpture Walk for the Town in 2019. Chair of the Sculpture Walk Committee, Wayne McNiven states, ““What a wonderful addition to the permanent collection for the Sidney Sculpture Walk. Armando’s Pure Energy is now located in a beautiful and prominent location - a location that will ensure that the residents and visitors will enjoy this spectacular piece for generations to come”.

Earlier this year, the Sculpture Walk Committee facilitated the purchase of “The Keeper”, by artisan Ronald T. Crawford, the large stone sculpture situated at the Anacortes Ferry terminal. The committee’s goal is to acquire the existing pieces, many of which are only on loan to the Town, before moving forward to add new pieces. 

Wayne McNiven, ArtSea Sculpture Walk Chair, Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith, Armando Barbon