Luke Marston, a member of the Stz’uminus (Chemainus) First Nation, has been selected to create artwork for a major project in Saanich.
Following a two-stage selection process that involved a community selection jury comprised of artists, community members and project representatives, Marston was selected as the artist for the Fire Station No. 2 Public Art Project.
“I’m grateful to have been the artist chosen to create a public installation for the District of Saanich Fire Department,” Marston said. “I look forward to creating a strong symbol of strength and protection in the Coast Salish art form.”
Raised in a family of carvers, he learned history and culture from the late Simon Charlie and developed his talents in design, form and carving under Haida artist Robert Davidson.
His work is featured in private and public collections both nationally and worldwide, and his major public art commissions include the Canadian Government, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Vancouver International Airport. One of his major sculptural works, Shore to Shore, can be found in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.
The project’s site-specific artwork will serve as an engaging landmark for the newly redeveloped fire station and the Royal Oak neighbourhood.
The public art project will be developed over the coming 18 months and is slated for installation and unveiling at the official opening of the new fire station in Fall 2026.
Whether visiting the fire hall, waiting for a bus at the nearby transit interchange or simply passing by, the new artwork will offer an opportunity to experience and celebrate contemporary Coast Salish art. The proposed sculpture will incorporate traditional and contemporary elements that complement the building’s design and materials.
Marston’s proposal was chosen from a great number of impressive applications, Saanich Fire Chief Michael Kaye said.
“We were thrilled with all the submissions, and it was difficult to pick just one,” explained Kaye. “We are very excited to work with Luke — his proposal encompasses the essence of the project and the history of the community. It will be an enduring piece of art for the entire community to enjoy.”
The District of Saanich is undertaking the redevelopment of Fire Station #2 in the Royal Oak neighbourhood. This major capital project replaces the existing building on an enlarged site, expanding the size and capacity of the station
within a new landmark public safety facility. It is expected to be completed in 2026.
Marston is the son of carvers Jane and David Marston who introduced him to carving. In 1999, Luke assisted Simon Charlie with the carving of four house posts for a public school in Seattle. For five years, he worked at Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum alongside his brother John, who is also a highly-regarded carver.