A masterpiece is in progress at Fredericton’s College Hill and the artist behind the woodcarving is welcoming the community to come watch as he develops the piece.

Ned Bear says he does his best work outdoors.

“Close to nature I guess. I just love nature and being outside is part of that,” says Bear.

The nationally-acclaimed First Nations artist is carving a 1,700-pound log into a Pawakan Pole, traditionally viewed as a spirit guide, or spirit helper, to represent a welcoming space in the middle of St. Thomas University’s campus.

The log came from a tree felled by post-tropical storm Arthur.

Officials at STU were impressed with Bear’s public art and they wanted the multi-faceted artist to create a central piece on campus for an outdoor learning space.

“A place to go meditate, to pray, to have a quiet moment of reflection before carrying on with the academic day, I hope it becomes a peaceful place where people can go,” says Dan Robichaud of STU Aboriginal Student Services.

“This will be here a lot longer than I will be, same with the others across the province,” says Bear. “I’ve been carving over 30 years. I’ve more or less come up with my own kind of design, my own face.”

Another goal of the project is to give staff and students an up-close view of the piece as it develops and Bear is more than happy to share the inner workings of his art.

“Cause it’s my interest and it’s good to have other people interested too,” he says.

Bear will continue his work on the STU campus, weather permitting.

The plan is for the pole to be planted on campus next spring.