F
S
S T Y L E PA N E L
Picking favourites
Our Style Panel salutes Guelph’s public art for the way it engages passersby – and makes them smile.
And photographer Dean Palmer captures their choices in an interesting light.
The Guelph Life Style Panel
includes (from left) real estate
agent David Halls, South Asian
community member Indu Arora,
fundraising specialist Emma
Rogers and Suzanne Bone of
the Foundation of Guelph General
Hospital. In each issue, they
weigh in on various topics.
PHOTOGRAPHY • ALISHA TOWNSEND
DAVID HALLS
Old Jeremiah
at University
of Guelph
My favourite piece of public art in Guelph –
although some people may disagree with this
item being called “public art” – must be Old
Jeremiah, the frequently painted cannon at the
University of Guelph.
I think the cannon is an iconic landmark that
has truly become a piece of “living art.” It has
an incredible social value as an outlet for the
expression of opinions and raising awareness for
a variety of causes, and it acts as a public canvas
for the expression of artistic release. It may also
even help limit undesirable graffiti elsewhere on
campus.
As a Rotarian, I was thrilled to see that the local
chapter of Rotaract – a student-based offshoot of
Rotary – recently painted the cannon with “End
Polio Now” slogans and logos on the International Rotary Awareness Day. It was a perfect example
of helping raise awareness for a worthwhile cause.
I’m not sure how frequently Old Jeremiah gets
a new paint job, but it seems every time I pass
by it has a new look.
I always take a moment to stop and see what
the message of the day is. It usually brings a
smile to my face.
28 guelphlife JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2017
Emma rogers
The Gryphon
at University
of Guelph
The Gryphon statue at the entrance of the
University of Guelph is my favourite public piece of
artwork for so many reasons.
The university is such an integral part of our
community. It fosters innovation, creativity and
philanthropy – a lot of qualities Guelph residents
are proud of – so it makes sense we would have
such a grand way to welcome people to our
amazing city.
Although it was the beauty of the statue that
created my very first “awe moment,” I think it
is the story behind the Gryphon that means the
most to me.
The statue was created by Kim Kozzi and Dai
Skuse, two instructors at the university, and the
$300,000 piece of art was funded entirely by
donations. These dollars were largely raised by
alumni and student groups. As a fundraiser, this
tugs on the heartstrings.
Students both past and present can’t help but
fall in love with our wonderful community, and it
shows when people are willing to go into their own
pockets to show just how proud they are.
When I drive by the Gryphon, at the intersection
of Stone Road and Gordon Street, I see people from
across the community stopping to take photos with
the statue. It’s a majestic piece of art that brings
people together.
JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2017
guelphlife 29
Indu Arora
Art Gallery’s
Inukshuk
The Inukshuk in the sculpture garden
outside the Art Gallery of Guelph is one of
my favourite pieces of public art in Guelph.
Inukshuks are mainly used as landmarks
or points of reference when travelling,
and my personal interpretation is that
Inukshuks keep us grounded and provide
guidance in our lives.
The Inukshuk is a beautiful representation
of Canada’s Aboriginal people and their vast
history.
Over the years, we have purchased a few
small Inukshuks to keep in our house,
made of materials such as marble and glass.
But I think the beauty of the Inukshuks
created with rock cannot be surpassed.
I really admire the Inukshuk outside the
Art Gallery of Guelph – it stands so proudly
and gives me strength in my life. I hope
the Inukshuk will be art that is enjoyed by
everyone for many more years to come.
SUZANNE BONE
Art Gallery’s
Begging Bear
Hands down, my favourite piece of public art is the Art
Gallery of Guelph’s Begging Bear by Carl Skelton.
Every time I drive by, I look to see if it has been dressed up.
One day I passed it twice, and each time it had a banana in
its hand! I’ve seen it in cap and gown, a tutu, tinfoil, various
T-shirts, and with odd and assorted objects in its hand.
I must admit I’ve dressed it up a couple of times to mark
the theme of some of our fundraising events for Guelph
General Hospital.
I love how the Begging Bear has been embraced by the
community. To me, it is a Guelph icon, a place for celebrations and community messaging – though I’m not sure what
message was being sent by the banana!
Follow the Begging Bear on twitter:
@thebeggingbear.
30 guelphlife JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2017