Prince Albert artist Patti Cannon-Levesque noted that Jensen and his wife Linda were active mentors whose departure left a gap in the local arts community.
"I've never seen an artist that does work in as many mediums as Jack does," said Cannon-Levesque in a statement to CBC News.
She expressed excitement about seeing a local Saskatchewan artist participating in a high-profile international public art project tied to the World Cup.
Father and son duo José and Jonas Lobo collaborated on the Portugal-themed beaver sculpture along Wellington Street, utilizing traditional blue and white tile patterns known as Portuguese azulejo.
"I love when people pat it," said Jonas Lobo, a first-generation Portuguese Canadian artist, while admiring his handiwork.
The sculpture details various elements of Portuguese folklore, culture, architecture, and food, alongside a soccer ball resting at the beaver's paws.
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"I never would have imagined something like this happening, so it's nice to be able to get involved and showcase my pride for my Portuguese heritage and Canada," said Jonas Lobo.
His father, José Lobo, moved from Portugal to Canada forty years ago and used his decades of experience as a soccer coach to channel tournament excitement.
"I coached soccer for 16 years… multiple teams.
And participating in this way in the World Cup gives me the illusion that I'm part of the big the big tournament!"
said José Lobo.
Near the Scotland Yard pub, artist Margaret Cresswell dressed her Scotland-themed beaver sculpture in a classic tartan kilt, adorned with thistles and a depiction of the Loch Ness Monster.
