iN PHOTOS: Horseshoe sculptor adds to display at Penticton Regional Hospital

A South Okanagan sculptor known for his metalwork creations made of used horseshoes recently added a couple of bear cubs to a public display of his work at Penticton Regional Hospital.

Jean Ouellon is a retired millwright who recently made headlines after completing a COVID-19-inspired salmon sculpture.

Ouellon says he "reunited a mother bear with her cubs," as he delivered and installed two additional bear cub sculptures to go with a mother bear sculpture already on display in front of the new David Kampe tower.

K.H. Kemp Thompson Inc. sponsored the installation of the sculptures, which were placed last Tuesday, Sept. 1.

“We’re thrilled and honoured to be part of the art installation to the existing mother bear," Nicole Thompson says.

She said hospital officials were quite keen to have them added to the display as well.

The bears are accompanied by three heron sculptures that were part of the original installation with the mother bear.

Those sculptures were sponsored by Barry Beecroft Fuels and the Penticton Industrial Development Association, Thompson says.

All of Ouellon’s work is made from used horseshoes. He says the inspiration comes from a desire not to waste. He’s made birds, fish, bears, pigs and other animals from locally-sourced used horseshoes, selling some sculptures but also giving many away.

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