The new Bambini statues at Preston Street and Gladstone Avenue.
Centretown residents are giving mixed reviews to a nearly completed art installation at the intersection of Preston Street and Gladstone Avenue.
The 11 statues, named Bambini, are meant to look like a child’s drawing of a soccer team. Instead, some local residents say the seven metre tall statues look like bowling pins.
The installation is meant to offer a safe place for people to gather on the benches, says Lori Mellor, head of the Preston Street BIA. The organization footed the $650,000 bill for the exhibit, which will be completed in late September.
“I find them very interesting and make very strong statement. They speak to Italians’ love of soccer, children, and family,” says Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes. “Businesses wanted a strong statement.”
The BIA has been saving for the statues for almost 10 years. They are an important part of the Preston Street Rehabilitation Project, which seeks to revitalize the street after underground utility repairs are completed throughout Little Italy.
Nearby workers have had split opinions on the new art.
“It brings a little bit of life and spirit in the Preston Street area,” says Preston Hardware manager Fred Giannetti.
But just a few blocks down at Italcan Video, designer JT Shaws disagreed.
“That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen,” he said.