ABOUT
RON SIMMER

“Making Art Fun Again!”

Ron Simmer, an artist based in Vancouver, BC, has a knack for transforming discarded materials into captivating, playful works of art. He searches for objects that inspire him, turning everyday waste into creations that can amaze, amuse, or provoke thought. Through his use of recycled materials, Ron offers whimsical commentary on modern society, often evoking a sense of nostalgia by crafting large-scale toys, vibrant birds, and playful animals. His art invites people to engage physically, often incorporating optical illusions to enhance the experience.

Ron has made his mark with public art installations across BC, Ontario, and several U.S. states, including Washington, Oregon, and California. One of his standout projects is a $128,000 solar-powered light sculpture installed in Routley Park, Township of Langley in 2023. 

His work has been showcased at numerous sculpture events, such as the Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition, Castlegar Sculpturewalk, White Rock Promenade Sculpture Competition, El Paseo in Palm Desert, Gallery without Walls in Lake Oswego in Oregon, the San Juan Island Sculpture Park and many others throughout Canada and the U.S.

In addition to his solo work, Ron collaborates with other artists, technicians, and designers to create large-scale exhibits that celebrate creativity and human spirit. He has crafted kinetic and interactive pieces, like the Berzerkatroid Dragon, which features nine musical propane flame effects. One of his notable projects includes designing an infinity mirror room at Burnaby’s Deer Lake Gallery, which was a long-term hit.

Ron was also part of the BreakingWave team that delivered a two-ton wooden wave sculpture made from beach debris to Burning Man in 2012, drawing attention to ocean pollution. He followed this with two more honorarium installations at Burning Man in 2013 and 2014 in Black Rock, Nevada. 

Currently, Ron serves as an executive member of the Sculpture Society of BC and is president of ReVision the Art of Recycling, a group of Vancouver-area artists focused on creating art from recycled materials. He is also a past director of the Burnaby Arts Council and an officer of eatART Foundation (Energy Awareness Through Art). His work is deeply inspired by his background as a commercial fisherman, steel fabricator, boat builder, and librarian, as well as his love of nature, which he explores through kayaking, sailing, skiing, and hiking.

Ron (BA, BLS) is an Emeritus Librarian from the University of British Columbia with a lifetime of experience managing public and private sector information research teams. Ron lives in Burnaby, BC, with his wife Janice Woodland, while their son Max is enjoying life in Tbilisi, Georgia.