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The Art You’ve Seen But Didn’t Know Was ECU

Alumni People September 11, 2025
A collage of four public artworks in Vancouver, including sculptures, murals and installations set against city and mountain backdrops.
Various public artworks by ECU community members.

Many of Vancouver’s most recognized public artworks were created by members of the ECU community.

You may have seen these pieces around town and not known that the people behind them were once students, staff, faculty or otherwise members of the Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) community. We’ve compiled a list of some of Vancouver’s most well-known artworks, plus a few choice Easter eggs you might miss, for you to look out for on your next walk around the city.

A large black-and-white sculpture shaped like a pixelated orca whale stands near Vancouver’s waterfront with mountains in the background.
Digital Orca by Douglas Coupland. Photo by Philip Jama.
A metal crab sculpture sits in the centre of a fountain in front of a circular modernist building.
The Crab by George A. Norris. Photo by Nick Kenrick.
A metallic and resin sculpture resembling a tree branch hangs in the atrium of a modern university building.
Adrift by Rebecca Belmore and Osvaldo Yero. Vancouver Public Library photo.
A large-scale artwork is displayed inside an indoor atrium where people are gathered near shops and seating.
Abbott & Cordova, 7 August 1971 by Stan Douglas. Photo by Atlas Obscura.
A large sculpture of a sparrow stands on the Vancouver waterfront with city buildings and mountains in the background.
The Birds by Myfanwy MacLeod. Photo by Destination BC.
A small silver-grey shed-like sculpture on stilts stands above the seawall with mountains and city skyline behind it.
LightShed by Liz Magor. Photo by Dave O.
A large red and green carved gateway with Coast Salish designs stands among tall trees in a park.
People Amongst The People by Susan Point. Photo by Coast Salish Arts.
Illuminated text in multiple colours runs along a waterfront railing at night, reflecting on the water.
Welcome to the Land of Light by Henry Tsang. Photo by Henry Tsang.
A large mural on a building depicts an Indigenous figure extending a hand, designed in a Northwest Coast style.
Listening. On. Waking Terrain. by Bracken Hanuse Corlett. Photo by Rachel Topham.
A glowing neon sign reading “Should I Be Worried?” is mounted on wooden beams near the water, with city buildings illuminated at dusk.
Should I Be Worried? by Justin Langlois. Photo by Justin Langlois.
A water fountain shoots a tall plume into the air from a grassy mound beside a sign reading “Hillcrest Geyser.”
Geyser for Hillcrest Park by Vanessa Kwan and Erica Stocking. Photo by Erica Stocking.
A large outdoor sculpture combines concrete, wood, metal and a glass eye, set against downtown office buildings.
Spirit of our Ancestors on the Land by Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.
A green and white street sign reading “Indigenous Trail Wagon Road” is mounted on a pole beside blossoming branches.
Kingsway Trail by Sonny Assu. Photo by Lila Bujold.
A brightly coloured abstract mural covers the side of a low building under a clear blue sky.
Interface by Ali Bruce and Victoria Sieczka.
A large rust-coloured steel sculpture shaped like an oversized staple stands on a grassy area near False Creek with downtown Vancouver in the background.
Gate to the Northwest Passage by Alan Chung Hung. Photo credit: Wikipedia

Additional Public Artwork from ECU Community Members

BC Binning, Gwen Boyle, Sam Carter, Haisla Collins, Orville Fisher, Chief Janice George, Karen Kazmer, Al McWilliams, Carol Sawyer, Douglas Senft, Ron Terada, Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun and Ola Volo.

Notice somebody missing from this list? Contact tassion@ecuad.ca

100 Years of Creativity: The Stories that Shaped Us

As part of Emily Carr University’s centennial celebrations and our ‘100 Years of Creativity’ campaign, we are sharing stories that spotlight the creativity, resilience and impact of our community over the past 100 years. These stories feature the people, projects, places and ideas that have shaped ECU, reminding us of our shared legacy while inspiring the future. By revisiting past milestones and sharing new ones, we honour the many voices that built our institution and continue to guide its path forward. 

For more information about ECU 100 centennial celebrations, upcoming events and stories, visit our webpage.

By: Taylor Assion