On July 1 (Canada Day), 1996, well-known local artist Max
Chickite
stood working on an old stump that had been on the beach
for
many years. After 10 hours, a remarkable octopus appeared
from
the wood and "Octy" was born. Octy was a gift to
the city from Max.
A few days later, vandals cut off the Octopus' head and
stole it, but it was found 11 days later on a logging
road. Max repaired the charred, damaged head and
returned it to Octy's body.
The vandalism caused furor and is the reason the
Driftwood-Carving Competition was started. We felt that since
a city could
be so upset about the damage to one carving, it would surely
appreciate
a city filled with carvings.
"Transformations on the Shore" began in
1997
and has been seen by thousands and thousands. Visitors and local
residents
love to watch the carvers at work and enjoy the
carvings
that are left along the Sea Walk and throughout the City
of Campbell River.
The Octopus has had other adventures as well, but he is
still standing proudly (although much smaller) in his spot
looking
across Discovery Passage (on the 50th Parallel).
The Campbell River Shoreline Arts Society works long,
hard hours to bring this exciting event into being. We
appreciate
the support of the whole community to keep it going and
just celebrated our 10th Anniversary.
The carvings increase tourism in Campbell River with
carving tours and events. We are becoming "The
Carving Centre
of British Columbia".
Our dream is to be financially secure so we are able to
help aspiring carvers and artists realize their dreams.
