The Spirit Catcher Casts Its Wish at the MacLarenArtCentre
 |
Ron Baird, Spirit Catcher,
1986, Corten Steel, 21.3 metres (65ft). |
For the month of September 2007, the MacLarenArtCentre
will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the dedication of Ron Baird's
Spirit Catcher by inviting gallery visitors and the local public to
"Cast A Wish" at the MacLaren.
The Spirit Catcher, which graces Barrie's waterfront on
the Kempenfeldt Bay section of Lake Simcoe,
was created from theimagery of the West Coast, First Nations mythology.
The Thunderbird is a powerful spirit in the form of a bird that carries
our messages, dreams and desires to the Creator.
To celebrate Barrie's most famous landmark, complimentary
postcards of the Spirit Catcher will be available for everyone to cast
their wishes, dreams or desires to someone they know. The postcard and
mailing costs within Canada are courtesy of the MacLarenArtCentre. Limit
one card per person.
Originally built for the '86 expo in Vancouver, the Spirit
Catcher was installed at the foot of Maple Street in 1986 and the 21.3
metre (65ft) high iconic sculpture has spread its wings and embraced
the people and spirit of Barrie ever since.
The Spirit Catcher was originally purchased by the Helen
McCrea Peacock foundation in 1986, and dedicated to the founders, Kenneth
Westrup and Helen McCrea Peacock. Shortly afterwards the sculpture was
donated to the MacLarenArtCentre, formerly know as the Barrie Gallery
Project, as an
inspiration to create a gallery. Their wish has been fulfilled.
On September 12th, 1987 the sculpture was officially dedicated
and became the first piece in the MacLarenArtCentre's permanent collection,
which today contains over 26,000 art works. Included in the collection
are prints and drawings, photographs and sculptures from both regional
and international artists.
Visitors travelling in the Barrie area for Ontario Fall
Colours can choose from a variety of Barrie area accommodation by going
to Barrie, or select a recommended fall
color road trip and add Barrie to your fall travel itinerary. The
beautiful Barrie waterfront on Lake Simcoe
can be viewed at the Barrie Photo
Gallery.
Image credit: Ron Baird, Spirit Catcher, 1986, Corten Steel, 21.3 metres
(65ft).
The MacLarenArtCentre is a charitable organization bringing
people to art, art to people. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays
10am to 4pm and effective September 23rd Sunday's 12pm to 4pm. The MacLaren
is located at 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, On. Admission is free. For
a complete listing of exhibitions, programming and events, please visit
www.maclarenart.com or tel
705 721 9696.
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For more information contact:
Bridget Ayden
Communications Coordinator
MacLarenArtCentre
37 Mulcaster St, Barrie, ON L4M 3M2
Tel: 705 720 1044 ext. 236
bridget@maclarenart.com
www.maclarenart.com
