Photos: Shannon and Chip Wilson join party in Morton Park celebrating A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture

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      The blue fencing has been removed around the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture at Morton Park, attracting lots of curious onlookers today near English Bay.

      The crowd included park commissioners and city councillors, who were entertained by the Dal Richards Band.

      Chinese contemporary artist Yue Minjun created the statues of a laughing Buddha, which were put on display for the Vancouver Biennale 2009–11.

      Thanks to a $1.5-million donation from Vancouver residents Shannon and Chip Wilson, founder of the lululemon retail chain, the art exhibit will permanently remain in the greenspace at the corner of Denman and Davie streets.

      "We just saw the level of engagement from little kids to elderly people," Shannon Wilson told the Straight today at the park in explaining why they decided to keep it here.


      Shannon and Chip Wilson discuss the statues at Morton Park.

      Her husband Chip said that the art creates a sense of fun. "What I notice is it elevates people to a different level, including me," he noted.

      He noted a parallel between the statues and how his company functions. “The way we operate is to take the world from a place of mediocrity to greatness," he said. "And I believe somebody who is walking by who is having a mediocre day can come and interact with this artwork and elevate their life.”


      The Dal Richards Band had them swinging near the beach.

      Comments

      2 Comments

      Dale1

      Aug 11, 2012 at 8:23pm

      The Wilson's love for Vancouver is evident, as is the case for many Vancouverites.

      Craig

      Aug 15, 2012 at 10:12am

      Chip and Shannon are living examples of what's great about Vancouver.