By Fiona Gilsenan

The cerise metal rods of U.S. artist John Henry’s Jaguar soar 85 feet into the Vancouver, B.C., sky, while "ribs" of rust (3 Arcs x 5) created by France’s Bernar Venet seem poised to roll over a lawn. The two sculptures, part of the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale, are among 20 massive pieces of outdoor art that will vie for attention with the urbane city’s snowcapped mountains and sparkling waters over the next 18 months. Yoko Ono’s billboard will encourage viewers to imagine peace as Dennis Oppenheim’s Engagement juxtaposes two 28- and 21-foot-tall steel wedding bands complete with lighted "diamonds."

"Public sculpture is appropriate to the kind of city we are," says Barrie Mowatt, organizer of this exhibit set up to appeal to the city’s beach walkers, shoppers, and in-line skaters alike. Maps are available to help you locate the sculptures, but most of them are hard to miss. Information: (604) 682-1289, www.vancouverbiennale.com.