Has a giant been playing marbles at the Mayfair Recreation Centre?
The Marbles at Mayfair were first created by local artist Erica Swendrowski as a temporary art installation on Portage Avenue in 2012. These playful sculptures were so popular that when it was time to move them away from the salt and debris of a busy thoroughfare in 2016, a permanent home was found on the grounds of the Mayfair Recreation Centre.
The 11 larger-than-life fiberglass marbles range from 3 to 4.5 feet in diameter. They sit outside the recreation centre, inviting visitors to get up close and play. Their round shapes complement the building’s geometric design.
By enlarging these tiny toys to giant proportions, Erica transforms something familiar into something surprising. The sculptures encourage people to see everyday objects, in a new way, highlighting their colour, texture, and beauty.
In 2025, the Marbles got a fresh look. When it was time to repair and repaint them, the artist introduced new colours and patterns. While still inspired by traditional glass marbles, the updated designs reflect Erica’s own collection of small marbles, which remind her of family, friends, and fun memories.
Erica’s work often plays with familiar objects, slightly changing them to fit their surroundings. With the Marbles, she wanted to spark childhood memories and create a whimsical experience for visitors.
A bit of history:
In 2010, Erica Swendrowski was selected as Artist-in-Residence in Community Gardens. This program was created through a partnership between the Winnipeg Arts Council and the City’s Public Works Department.
As part of the residency, Erica made a series of sculptures and sod furniture for the gardens, called living living room. She also collaborated with the Downtown BIZ to bring plant-based sculpture to Portage Avenue. This led to the installation of Marbles on Portage in July 2012.
The original artwork included 21 marbles—6 large and 15 small. Five of the smaller ones had felt pockets filled with real plants. Some were also lit from within, glowing softly in the evening. In 2016, 11 of the marbles were repaired and repainted before being moved to their new home at 40 Mayfair Place.
In the media:
- Winnipeg Free Press, posted Oct 25, 2024: Mending all the marbles, Orbital outdoor artworks have rolled back to their creator for tender loving restoration
- Winnipeg Free Press, posted Aug 1, 2012: These marbles aren’t for rolling, Spheres scattered on Portage Avenue
- Winnipeg Free Press, posted Jul 31, 2012: Mammoth marbles appear on Portage
