Muskoka’s Most Talked About Piece of Art has a New Home

The statue formerly known as Koilos now resides in the Cranberry Capital of Ontario

July 6, 2018 – MUSKOKA ON

If art is supposed to spark conversation, then the statue formerly known as Koilos is doing its job and then some.

Created by sculptor Michael Christian, the statue was on display at the Distillery District in Toronto from 2009 until 2013 and was very popular among visitors. Then one day, this 2,000 pound monster was gone.

Purchased by a private buyer, Koilos resurfaced in Muskoka during the summer of 2013 and created quite the stir when he appeared at the end of a dock on Lake Muskoka. This one-of-a-kind piece of art instantly became the most interesting piece of cottage decor in Muskoka.

Understandably, social media blew up and Koilos on Lake Muskoka became the story of summer ’13 in Muskoka.

My visit with Koilos and his owner, my client on #lake #Muskoka #sculpture by #artist Michael Christian pic.twitter.com/nlrFeoy4Zp

— Jack Janssen (@MuskokaCottageL) May 19, 2014

Fast forward 5 years later and the legend of this famous (or infamous depending on what side of the fence you are on) statue continues to grow, resurfacing in Bala of all places.

Put up for adoption and looking to go to a good home, the statue formerly known as Koilos was rescued by a local art lover and artist and brought to Bala. The new owner goes by the name Muskoka Mike and the statue is a part of his new Food Truck + Art Gallery corner right on the main drag in Bala (Muskoka Road 169, directly across the street from Muskoka BearWear).

Muskoka Mike just calls his new installation ‘Gorgon’ – but locals have bestowed their own nickname on this 4 metre tall monster – the Bala Bog Monster!

Already the statue has created quite the buzz, with people flocking to town to snap a photo with this odd creature. If you are tagging on Instagram, be sure to use the hashtag #balabogmonster

Whilst Visting Bala

Bala is a charming and fun town to visit. Whilst paying a visit to the Bala Bog Monster, plan some fun around town!

Catch concert at The Kee to Bala, a rite of passage in Muskoka that all visitors need to experience
Hit the water with Ride Muskoka; boat rentals, ski school, jet ski rentals and pontoon boat tours
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Bala Cove Marina and get out on Lake Muskoka
Go hiking at nearby Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Take a guided museum tour of Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery
Take the Bog to Bottle Tour at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Grab a delicious home-cooked lunch and shop the massive gift shop at Cottage Cravings
Dine in the screened in porch overlooking the Moon River at the Moon River Lookout
Get fired up at the SWS Waterski Show, Tuesday nights in the summer
Grab great craft beer and great food at Clear Lake Brewing Co. Brewpub in nearby Torrance