Artist Pony Comes to the Petit Champlain District and Place‑Royale

This summer, a one‑of‑a‑kind exhibition is warming hearts in the Petit Champlain district and Place‑Royale: Câlins (Hugs) takes over Old Québec.

From May 12 to August 3, four giant, endearing sculptures come to life in the heart of these historic neighborhoods, each with one goal in mind—to offer a little love.

Behind these creations lies Pony’s distinctive artistic universe: touching, vulnerable characters, each carrying their own scars and stories. Imperfect yet deeply human beings, they instantly capture our affection.

Meet the four artworks:

• Dandy :
  Hi! My name is Dandy, a soft-hearted dandelion. I’ve often been ignored, forgotten, neglected… but all I want is to be loved just as I am. My greatest dream is to finally be seen as a flower no one dares to crush. Beneath my grumpy exterior lies a great tenderness and a longing for unconditional love. I’ve learned to protect myself, but under the armor, everything is soft. I’ve gently learned to tame my emotions, so I can become a source of comfort for anyone who feels as fragile as I do. Because no one should have to wither in silence.
• Sponji :
  Hi! My name is Sponji. My superpower? Absorbing everything around me. I often feel like I’m carrying the weight and the sadness of the entire world on my small, soft shoulders. Sometimes I feel strong, and other times it drains me. When everything becomes too heavy, I retreat into my little hiding place, at the bottom of the cupboard, under the sink, between the disinfectant and the glass cleaner. For a moment, I find a bit of calm and safety there. In my little refuge, the chaos of the world can’t reach me. Despite these temporary floods, I am very proud of my immense sensitivity. It makes me gentle and deeply empathetic. I’ve learned to make peace with my inner waves, so I can become an anchor when yours carry you away.
• Anxiyeti :
  Hi! My name is Anxiyeti. I spent far too long alone, perched up high, ruminating on my thoughts and fleeing a world that unsettles me all too often. I’ve crossed the blizzard of my anxieties time and time again, and I finally managed to tame my inner chaos—the one I lived with for so long. Today, I’m slowly coming down from my mountains, stronger and with an open heart. I now have only one mission: to offer a moment of relief to sensitive souls going through these same storms. I have an endless supply of hugs, tenderness, and gentleness to share with all my future friends. I’ve learned to navigate my own tempests, so I can better help you weather yours.
• Kinzu :
  Hi! My name is Kinzu. I’ve weathered storms, unexpected goodbyes, broken hearts, and immense emptiness. Each loss has left its mark on me, and today, my scars shine like medals on my heart—proof that I have loved, lost… and survived. I pieced myself back together, one fragment at a time, and I’ve mourned those I will never see again. So that I could grow stronger and, in turn, help those who long to gently heal. I’m here for you in those moments when everything seems to be falling apart. Together, we can learn to see our wounds not as flaws, but as proof of our strength and resilience. Because behind every crack, there is a light patiently waiting to shine through.

This outdoor exhibition is completely free and can be enjoyed at your own pace—whether with family, friends, or on your own. It’s a wonderful opportunity to (re)discover the cobblestone streets and enchanting settings of Old Québec from a fresh perspective.

📍 The locations of the artworks are indicated on the map below.

This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of Vision entrepreneuriale Québec 2030 by the City of Québec, powered by the Fonds de la région de la Capitale‑Nationale.
Focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, growth, financing, and support, Vision entrepreneuriale Québec 2030 aims to make Québec City the country’s capital of entrepreneurship. It brings together programs and financial assistance measures designed to help businesses grow. The initiative is funded by the Government of Québec through the Fonds de la région de la Capitale‑Nationale, with the City of Québec and the Secrétariat à la Capitale‑Nationale acting as key partners in its promotion.

To learn more, visit the City of Québec’s website:
https://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/gens_affaires/financement/index.aspx

An exhibition proudly presented by the team of the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain for the Petit Champlain & Place‑Royale business community.

Photo credit: Marion Desjardins