The City of Red Deer

  • Recreation and Culture
  • Arts and Culture

Public Art Ghost Collection

Francis the pig has been temporarily removed and is awaiting repairs. He will return at a later date.

The Ghost Collection

This renowned bronze art collection was initiated by the Downtown Business Association and helps tell the history of the community. It is one of the largest life-size bronze sculpture collections in Canada. 

If you start at Servus Arena, you will see our most recent addition to our ghost collection. Head next to the Recreation Centre and the ghosts will continue to guide you through the downtown. As you go, be sure to stop and enjoy the variety of public art and heritage buildings. 

Where do ghosts come from? ­

The creative genius of artists, of course! Artists begin by making a clay, wax or plasticine model of the artwork. ­ They create a mould to enclose the model, which is removed. Molten bronze is then poured into the mould. Once the bronze cools, it is smoothed out and a patina is added to give a special colour and finish. Finally, protective wax is rubbed on to prevent deterioration. 

Creating a bronze sculpture can take one to three years but, if properly cared for, a bronze piece can last thousands of years.

The Ghost Collection Heritage Walking Tour (pdf)

bronze sculpture of two young hockey players and a referee meeting for a face-off

Search Field

Main navigation.

IMAGES

  1. Ghost Sculptures Walking Tour

    ghost tour red deer

  2. Red Deer Arts & Culture Tour

    ghost tour red deer

  3. WATCH: Red Deer’s latest ‘Ghost’ statue unveiled at Servus Arena

    ghost tour red deer

  4. Ghost Sculptures Walking Tour

    ghost tour red deer

  5. Ghost Town. Ardley, Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada Stock Photo

    ghost tour red deer

  6. Red Deer Ghosts

    ghost tour red deer

COMMENTS

  1. The Ghost Collection

    legend of Francis began in 1990 when he escaped from. local abattoir. For nearly fi ve months the fugitive roamed Red Deer’s parkland, eluding predators and several attempts to catch him. is freedom-loving pig was fi nally caught in 1991. Unfortunately, Francis succumbed to injuries he received in his capture. 53 St.

  2. Public Art Ghost Collection

    This renowned bronze art collection was initiated by the Downtown Business Association and helps tell the history of the community. It is one of the largest life-size bronze sculpture collections in Canada. If you start at Servus Arena, you will see our most recent addition to our ghost collection. Head next to the Recreation Centre and the ...