Residents and visitors frequenting the area around Centre Street in Whitby may have observed that a notable piece of public art is currently missing from its usual location. The Hive, a bee-tree sculpture that has garnered attention for its unique design, has been taken down from the spot in front of a building directly across from the Centennial Building. Although the sudden disappearance of the artwork has likely sparked questions among those who pass by the site, the Town of Whitby has moved quickly to assure the community that this removal is only temporary and not a permanent loss of the sculpture.
The artistic piece known as the Hive is the creation of Ryan Locke, a Canadian artist who has gained recognition for his specific talents as a chainsaw carver. This particular method of carving involves the skilled use of chainsaws to shape wood into intricate figures, and Locke applied this craft to produce the bee-tree design. The presence of the Hive on Centre Street added a distinct character to the area, serving as a visual marker for those navigating the streets near the Centennial Building. The work of Locke stands as an example of local artistic expression that has resonated with the public.
The decision to remove the sculpture stems from necessary work that is currently being undertaken at the location where the Hive formerly stood. As operations and maintenance activities proceed at the site, the town determined that the sculpture could not safely remain in place. To mitigate any risks to the artwork during this period of activity, the Hive was placed into storage. This relocation was executed with the primary goal of ensuring the protection of the statue, shielding it from any potential accidental damage that might occur while the site work is in progress.
Town officials have emphasized that the storage of the Hive is a protective measure designed to preserve the condition of the chainsaw-carved wood. The municipality is committed to maintaining the integrity of its public art assets, and moving the piece to a controlled environment is part of that commitment. By securing the sculpture in storage, the Town of Whitby ensures that it remains safe from the elements and the disturbances associated with the ongoing work on Centre Street.
In response to the community’s interest in the statue’s whereabouts, the Town of Whitby issued a news release to clarify the situation and address the residents directly. The release highlighted the positive reception the art has received from the public. “We know this piece of art has really hit the sweet spot with the community and we appreciate everyone’s patience while you await its return. Thanks for sticking with us — the Hive is healthy and the bees will soon be back where they belong,” the news release stated.
The future of the Hive involves a return to its original home once the work at the Centre Street site reaches completion. Town officials have confirmed that the sculpture will be reinstalled in the exact location it occupied prior to the removal. This plan ensures that the bee-tree sculpture will resume its place opposite the Centennial Building, allowing residents to enjoy the artwork once again as soon as the site is ready and the work has been successfully concluded.
