Many people may not realize a group of eagles is called a convocation.
A convocation of community members gathered at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons last Saturday to watch the unveiling of the latest piece of art in the Eagles in the City project.
Esteemed Gibsons artist Greta Guzek was on hand to reveal her hand-painted fibreglass eagle, a work of art she entitled Spirit of the Sun.
Guzek said she chose the title and colours after much research into the symbolism different cultures have attached to eagles around the world."I found that in almost every culture it was the same: the eagle embodied the life-giving force of the sun," she said. "For me it just seemed like a natural thing that Spirit of the Sun would be a good title and a good inspiration for me to fix my design around."
Guzek said the number of eagles around and the fact that we live on the Sunshine Coast also lent to her inspiration.
The red, orange and brown painted sculpture features a sun design on the eagle's back.
The unveiling ceremony began with a blessing and song of welcoming by a Squamish Nation scholar, Chiaxsten (Wes Nahanee.)Guzek's eagle is one of 120 around the province paid for by the B.C. Lions Society. It will stay on display in the Sunnycrest Mall until April 2010 when it will be sold at auction by the Lions. Proceeds from the sale go directly to programs run by the Lions for children, including Easter Seals camps and patient care grants.
Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk stared in awe at Guzek's eagle at the unveiling.
"To have a display like this, in the middle of our town, brings real class to our community," he said.
