cultural district

Rhapsody

Robert Dow Reid, Sculptor

Scottish sculptor Robert Dow Reid was born in Scotland and has always drawn inspiriation from the sea. The son of a sea captain's son, Reid spent years in the 1940s and 1950s aboard whaling vessels where he took in more than the salty sea air.

He immigrated to Canada in 1958 and has lived in Kelowna ever since. His pieces are in the personal collections of luminaries around the globe, including Queen Elizabeth II.

characteristics

Fibreglass

The sculpture, along with the plaza it is installed in, were a joint project between the Grand Okanagan Hotel and the City of Kelowna

Installed in Rhapsody Plaza adjacent to the Cultural District

Rhaposody Sculpture | Photo copyright (c) 2021 Miles Overn Photography

The plaza project, located at the North end of Water St., was completed in 1993. Rhapsody Plaza lies at the point where Water street bends between The Dolphins complex on one side of the street and Prospera Place arena on the other. It is adjacent to the cultural district, and Okanagan Lake.

Bear Sculpture in Kelowna | Photo copyright (c) 2021 Miles Overn Photography

The Meaning of the Piece

The piece is of a group of dolphins above a pond containing a fountain and equiped with lighting to make the piece visible and compelling regardless of time of day or weather. It is walked passed as people wind their way to the parks just beyond, and it is also paused at to enjoy ice cream or have photos taken. It delights local residents and tourists alike.

Other Cultural District Pieces

Rhapsody: Robert Dow Reid, 1993
I Had a Dream: Zhao Lei, 2002
On the Beach: Geert Maas, 2002
Bear: Brower Hatchet, 2010
Running Man: Marion-Lea Jamieson, 2002
Flexible Curves: Tommie Gallie, 1986
Spirit of Kelowna: Geert Maas, 2008
Sentinel: Dawn MacNutt, 2002
Okanagan Sunflowers: Jo Scott-B, 2002
Circle of Friendship: Geert Maas, 1997
W.A.C Bennett Memorial Courtyard & Clock Tower: Hartley & Turik Architects, 1981
Military Museum Murals: Larry Hunter, Michelle Loughery, 2002-2013
Natural Language: Jennifer Macklem, Kip Jones, 2000
The Valley: Ron Hart, Michael Fugeta, 2017
Fruit Stand: Glen Andersen, T.S. Thomas, 2002
Concept to Creation: Diane Gorvin, Philip Bews, Jonathan Yeltatzie, 2002
Skagway: Robert Murray, 1976-1977
Elemental: Crystal Przybille, 2000
The Conductor: Ken Curley, 2012

Rhapsody Sculpture
Rhapsody Plaza
49.888081 -119.497269