Dandelion Dreams

Public Art Commission | Surrey, British Columbia

A major public art project combining sculptural design, custom metal fabrication, structural engineering, and integrated LED lighting.

XARAX ARTWORKS, the collaborative partnership of artists Ron Simmer, Kim Cooper, and Bruce Voyce, completed Dandelion Dreams, a major public art installation commissioned by the Lark Group for the plaza beside Stong’s Market at 9686 137 Street in Surrey, British Columbia.

The project brought together artistic design, complex metal fabrication, structural engineering, specialist trades, and architectural lighting in the realization of a large-scale sculptural work.

Canadian Design and Fabrication

Dandelion Dreams was designed and fabricated entirely in Canada, engaging Canadian companies and skilled tradespeople throughout the project. The commission reflects XARAX ARTWORKSs commitment to collaboration and to building the domestic expertise needed to deliver ambitious public art installations.

The project required careful coordination across multiple disciplines, from structural engineering and tube bending to metal preparation, welding, finishing, transportation, and installation.

Technical Execution and Collaboration

The project’s success depended on a coordinated team of artists, technical specialists, and subcontractors.

Production manager Karl Simmons coordinated engineering, supervised subcontractors, and oversaw the production of specialized jigs and cradles required for fabrication.

C.Y. Loh Structural Engineering provided structural engineering services. Aggressive Tube Bending, Ropate Equipment Refinishers, Redi-Strip Metal Cleaning, and Nu Dimensions contributed to the project's fabrication and finishing requirements. Mega Cranes supported the installation process, while Think Industrial, led by Daniel Stratten, contributed specialist welding and lighting expertise.

Daniel Stratten and Nathyn Sanche completed the complex welding of the sculptural dandelion puffs. Daniel also installed eight lighting units and designed and programmed the integrated RGB LED lighting system using DMX control.

Throughout the process, the three artists worked collaboratively to resolve a range of design, engineering, and fabrication challenges, adapting solutions as the project progressed from concept to completed installation.

Project Outcome

Dandelion Dreams represents a significant collaborative achievement for XARAX ARTWORKS. The commission brought artistic creativity and technical expertise together in a complex public-facing installation, demonstrating the capabilities of a Canadian team working across disciplines.

The project also provided valuable experience for the partnership, strengthening its collective knowledge of the engineering, fabrication, coordination, and installation demands associated with large-scale public art.

Project Details

  • Client: Lark Group

  • Project: Dandelion Dreams

  • Location: Stong’s Market plaza, 9686 137 Street, Surrey, British Columbia

  • Artists / XARAX ARTWORKS. Partners: Ron Simmer, Kim Cooper, and Bruce Voyce

  • Production Manager: Karl Simmons

  • Delivery: Canadian design and fabrication

  • Specialist Services: Structural engineering, tube bending, metal fabrication and finishing, welding, crane services, and integrated RGB LED lighting