Wilderness Sculpture

Upon entering Swan Hills on Highway 33, the first thing that catches your eye is the stunning copper and red colored statue located next to the Tourist Information Center on the south side of the highway.

The scene is of a mother swan protecting her nest of five eggs from a Swan Hills grizzly bear. One paw raised and mouth open, the bear waits for an opportunity to attack, but with her wings outstretched, the swan bravely holds her ground. The feeling depicted is one of strength and majesty that helps epitomize the natural and rugged beauty of the area.

The unique steel sculptures, weighing approximately 2,000 pounds, were constructed in 503 hours by Kevin Oracheski of Edmonton, Alberta. Nearly 20,000 pieces of steel make up this truly unique piece of art.

Oracheski is one of a handful of artists throughout the world who uses this particular technique to sculpt metal.