Famous Shediac, N.B., lobster getting a makeover

The giant lobster sculpture in Shediac, N.B., is getting a fresh coat of paint.

The biggest lobster in the world is getting a fresh coat of paint.

Artist Allie Howe has started restoration work on the famous Shediac, N.B., lobster, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Shediac.

“Following the agreement signed last year, Mr. Howe continues to maintain this world-renowned icon,” the post reads. “With over 30 years’ experience, he has created several murals in the Miramichi region, including one for the Kraft Hockeyville celebrations in Renous in 2019.”

Standing 35 feet tall and weighing roughly 90 tonnes, the lobster statue is known as the largest of its kind in the world. The Shediac Rotary Club erected the monument in 1989 to highlight the importance of lobster for the community.

“It’s very unique. It’s an amazing project. It’s a lot more physical then the other, you know, flat walls and that kind of stuff. It’s a lot more climbing,” said Howe.

The giant lobster needs a paint job yearly because of its proximity to the ocean. Howe is in year two of a three-year contract with the town of Shediac and the plan is to change the design every spring.

“My expectation this year is to make it a bit more realistic. It’ll be nice to have it look like it was taken right out of the trap and placed right there with some water reflections,” said Howe.

Howe estimates the entire job will take him 12 days if the weather co-operates.

“Basically, every year we have to grind it and sand it and scrape it down so we get all the bad stuff out and then we reprime it, repaint it,” said Howe.

“Weather is a big factor. A day like today is pretty good, the only thing is that it’s always windy here, you always got that cross wind. As long as you’re half dry we’re good.”

Mayor Rodger Cassie says the Shediac Lobster is undeniably popular.

“Hundreds of thousands a year. This site gets about 500 to 600 tour buses a year… Without a doubt this is the most photographed lobster on the face of the earth,” said Cassie.

People are stopping to take pictures even while it is being painted.

“I came here from Saskatchewan and I came here to see the lobster,” said one visitor.

“We came from British Columbia. We found out there was a giant statue of a lobster so we decided to come and take a picture,” said another.

Despite the monumental undertaking each year, Howe embraces the challenge, driven by the hope that his work will leave a lasting impression.

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