While functionality is key to any skate assist - which is a winter tool meant to keep skaters upright as they navigate the icy terrains - they’re not always know for their style points. However, at The Forks, where creativity and fun is just as important as functionality, our skate assists are as much a work of art as they are useful.
These new installations are the product of a creative collaboration between The Forks and four creative community organizations; Art City, ArtsJunktion, Graffiti Gallery, and The WRENCH. Each group took a set of pre-built skate assists, initially designed with uniformity in mind, and infused them with their unique artistic visions. The result? A vibrant series that not only brightens our slippery surfaces but elevates the confidence and "ice cred" of skaters at all levels.
Art City’s contributions feature the faces of animals who represent the seven sacred teachings. These animals take centre stage on the ice, turning the skate assists into more than just functional tools but captivating spectacles that glide playfully across the frozen rinks and trails.
ArtsJunktion has brought their commitment to recycling and repurposing to life, infusing bursts of vibrant colors and glamour into each skate assist, all crafted from sustainable materials.
Graffiti Gallery’s skate assists boast a distinct Manitoba flair, decorated with local phrases, colours, and the face of Manitoba’s honourary first premiere… can you guess who?!
The Wrench took another unique approach on their assists, crafting a façade that resembles bikes on ice, using recycled bikes parts to make playful symbols, forms, and fun embellishments.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, each skate assist is thoughtfully designed for structural integrity, crafted in a uniform manner from recycled materials. They not only provide stability for skaters but also double as pushable seats, catering to those who prefer a leisurely glide across the ice.
There aren’t too many spots left to skate at The Forks, given these weird temps. So get out while you still can and experience the perfect blend of form and function with our creatively enhanced skate assists! Click here more information about skating rinks and conditions at The Forks.
Blog Archive
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2024 (16)
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January (6)
- Historic Rail Bridge Closure Update
- Learn to Winter!
- Glow Up : The ice resurfacer is resurfaced!
- At Last: The first section of the Nestaweya River Trail Presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is open!
- FEELIN’ HUT HUT HUT!
- Opportunity: Director on The Forks North Portage Partnership Board - Part Time Position
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2023 (30)
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June (7)
- Wilfred Buck | Star Knowledge Keeper
- Click here for scheduling, programming, and more information.
- Finding our North Star on Canada Day 2023 | Musical Performances
- Guide for Finding our North Star on Canada Day 2023
- Spirit of Winnipeg Award Winner!
- Finding our North Star on Canada Day 2023 | Announcing Market Stage Hosts
- Finding our North Star on Canada Day at The Forks 2023
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2019 (51)
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February (7)
- Fresh air, frosty faces, winter fun at The Forks
- Winter Cycling: it's not that extreme
- Spread the love: Valentine's Day The Forks
- Your #RRMTrail Skating Soundtrack
- It's time to spring (break) into action!
- The Common Winter Beer + Wine Lists (because it's still winter)
- YOUR winter 'grams we just can't double-tap enough
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September (8)
- Stroll along with our self-guided art walk
- Grab your foodie friends and your stretchiest pants – it's time for Le Burger Week
- September: The New Year, part two.
- Summer's not over yet!
- CN 100 – A Moving Celebration in Winnipeg
- A Nuit on the town
- Take an artistic ride with Forever Bicycles
- Vision (Zero) for the future!
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2018 (56)
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November (7)
- Forks Fitness: FREE Community Yoga
- Forks Tips: Studying & Remaining Sane
- ICYMI: 10 Years of Warming Huts v.2019 winners revealed!
- Introducing The Forks Festive Fox
- Architecture Comes Full Circle with dconstruct jewelry
- The Forks Market Holiday Bazaar is back!
- Check everyone off your "Nice" list at The Forks Market
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2017 (47)
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June (7)
- 7 Ways to feel extra Canadian at Canada 150 at The Forks | 7 façons de se sentir vraiment Canadien lors des célébrations Canada 150 à La Fourche
- Why don’t you: go on a family bike ride to the Forks?
- 12 must-see acts at The Forks this Canada Day | 12 spectacles à ne pas manquer à La Fourche en ce jour du Canada
- From Fools, with love!
- Must-Sees at Aboriginal Day Live
- Celebrating One Year of Great Beer and Delicious Wine at The Forks
- Third + Bird Pop-up at The Forks!
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August (5)
- 6 Summertide Events to Help You Hold on to Summer
- Interstellar Rodeo: 12 Artists You Need To Listen To
- Interstellar Rodeo: Wine with Father John Misty, Beck & Broken Social Scene
- Swing Dance + Other Free Activities to Get You Grooving at The Forks
- Getting a Taste of Argentina: Steak Night in The Market
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2016 (45)
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June (8)
- How to Prep for Canada Day at The Forks!
- Countdown to the 2017 Games: One Year To Go Celebration
- The Plaza Celebrates 10 Years!
- The Art Underpass: A Youthful Take on Manitoba
- Being Green in Manitoba: What's New at Generation Green?
- 5 Events to Check Out During Bike Week
- Date Idea: Bike Ride & Picnic at The Forks
- Cheers to the first Craft Beer and Wine List!
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July (7)
- Long Weekend in the Best City – Winnipeg!
- Oral History Tour: Storytelling Through the Generations
- Shakin' it at Salsa Sundays
- After Interstellar: Wine Tasting, Great Food & Dance-worthy Music
- Picking Something Fresh in the Public Orchard
- The NEXT Great Food Trend Happening at The Forks Market
- Homegrown Summer: A Visit to The Forks Farmers' Market