Circle of Friendship

The Work

This stainless steel sculpture on an inscribed granite base stands in memory of Yukihisa (Roy) Tanaka, and is testament to the close relationship between the City of Kelowna, its Japanese sister-city of Kasugai, Japan and the local Japanese-Canadian community.

The Project

The artist is a long-time member of the Kelowna Kasugai Sister City Association. The project initiated by the Association in appreciation of Mr. Tanaka's work towards the construction of the Kasugai Gardens. The materials and the cost of fabrication were supplied by the Association and the artist donated his skills and his time.

The Artist

Internationally acclaimed artist Geert Maas works in 2- and 3-dimensions in a variety of media. His disciplines include sculpture, painting, reliefs and medallion art.

Maas was born in The Netherlands, and received his formal art education at The Hague. In 1979 Maas moved to Kelowna with his family and established the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery which features one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures in Canada, and a diverse selection of his other artwork.

Geert Maas' works have been shown in numerous exhibitions and are represented in prestigious public, corporate and private art collections worldwide. Other works by Geert in the City’s public art collection include On the Beach and Spirit of Kelowna.

Viewing

The work is located across from the entrance to Kasugai Gardens on the east side of City Hall (1435 Water Street).