Imagine if there was a way to measure how many times the laughing men sculptures at English Bay have been photographed. Would their joyful poses be in hundreds of thousands photos? Millions?
And how could you measure how many smiles the sculptures have elicited from passersby? How much happiness has artist Yue Minjun spread with his A-Maze-ing Laughter sculptures?
Until last year, most people thought the laughing men sculptures, which were part of the Vancouver Biennale celebration, were permanent fixtures at the corner of Denman and Davie streets. Everyone was dismayed to learn that, in essence, they were just on loan to the city as part of Biennale, just like many of the other sculptures that are with us no more.
Then came Lululemon founder Chip Wilson and his wife Shannon to the rescue. The Kitsilano couple has donated $1.5 million to buy the sculptures as a gift to the city they love.
On Saturday, August 11, Vancouver Biennale and the Vancouver Park Board are asking people to give back the love. They are hosting a group flash freeze event a celebration of laughter to officially herald the Wilsons' amazing generosity.
The schedule is as follows, with everyone invited to attend. All you need to bring with you is your smile.
1 pm: Live entertainment with the Dal Richards Band and Public Dreams Society.
2 pm: Group flash freeze photo
2:15 pm Live music with local singer/songwriter Laurell.
