A Winning design has been selected for the Thickson Road Public Art Project!
Following a competitive selection process and community feedback from nearly 400 participants, the jury panel has selected Flutter by Ontario-based artist Nicolas Crombach as the final design.
Recognized for its imaginative design and strong connection to nature, Flutter reflects community values and what best represents Whitby. The artwork will help create a sense of place, add visual interest and beautify this busy corridor for both drivers and pedestrians.
This new public art is an integral part of the Town's broader placemaking initiative. Project funding was approved by Council in 2022 and does not impact the 2025 Budget. The goal: to beautify the area and strengthen the identity of this key gateway into Whitby. A variety of commercial establishments, including the Whitby Mall, restaurants, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, retail shops, and service-oriented businesses call this stretch of Thickson Road home, and approximately 22,000 vehicles pass daily.
Artwork Description
Flutter - Will transform Thickson Road with four monumental sculptures featuring dynamic clusters of monarch butterflies, crafted from corten and stainless steel. Hovering between realism and abstraction, the sculptures celebrate themes of transformation and renewal while capturing Whitby’s evolving identity and exploring the harmony between nature and urban life.
Next Steps
Fabrication is currently underway and the art is expected to be installed in spring 2026.
More Information
Interested in learning about Public Art in Whitby? Visit our Public Art Webpage to view recent projects and our Art Trail.
A Winning design has been selected for the Thickson Road Public Art Project!
Following a competitive selection process and community feedback from nearly 400 participants, the jury panel has selected Flutter by Ontario-based artist Nicolas Crombach as the final design.
Recognized for its imaginative design and strong connection to nature, Flutter reflects community values and what best represents Whitby. The artwork will help create a sense of place, add visual interest and beautify this busy corridor for both drivers and pedestrians.
This new public art is an integral part of the Town's broader placemaking initiative. Project funding was approved by Council in 2022 and does not impact the 2025 Budget. The goal: to beautify the area and strengthen the identity of this key gateway into Whitby. A variety of commercial establishments, including the Whitby Mall, restaurants, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, retail shops, and service-oriented businesses call this stretch of Thickson Road home, and approximately 22,000 vehicles pass daily.
Artwork Description
Flutter - Will transform Thickson Road with four monumental sculptures featuring dynamic clusters of monarch butterflies, crafted from corten and stainless steel. Hovering between realism and abstraction, the sculptures celebrate themes of transformation and renewal while capturing Whitby’s evolving identity and exploring the harmony between nature and urban life.
Next Steps
Fabrication is currently underway and the art is expected to be installed in spring 2026.
More Information
Interested in learning about Public Art in Whitby? Visit our Public Art Webpage to view recent projects and our Art Trail.
Three possible art design proposals have been selected for community feedback. Watch the videos of the proposals below then complete our survey by January 31 (2025) to have your say:
A Winning design has been selected for the Thickson Road Public Art Project!
