REGINA — A tall new rabbit ceramic sculpture now stands in the University of Regina’s (U of R) Dr. Lloyd Barber Academic Green space.
Jack Rabbit was designed by U of R alumni and artist Brian McArthur with the help of 14 students in the school's ceramics art class, faculty, and members of the Regina and Area Potters Guild.
“I think it's a really great aspect to be able to share the development of the project and that experience of making,” said McArthur.
Work on Jack Rabbit began in 2023, including decorative tiles on the outside of the sculpture and welding the internal framework.
“We [then] came out in June [2025] to finish the artwork, where we covered it with wire mesh, put the concrete over top of the wire mesh, and then we started to lay the tiles on top. And it took us four weeks then to finish it,” said McArthur.
McArthur said plans for this project had been in discussion for a decade prior.
The sculpture’s name has a few different connections, primarily with Saskatchewan sculptor Jack Sures.
“He's the person who was a Regina artist, very important to the clay movement in Regina in the 60s and 70s, and he brought ceramics formally into being an academic discipline taught at the University of Regina,” said Dr. David Dick, dean of media, art, and performance at the U of R.
Dick is hopeful the university can continue doing these sorts of projects as they inspire many students.
As for McArthur, he feels proud of the contribution and the connection to the community that the piece has.
“I feel well connected and well represented that I've kind of followed and left a memorable piece that will make people smile.”
McArthur said plans for this project had been in discussion for a decade prior.
