Exploring Guelph Part 5

     We continue to explore Guelph

1. Visit the Art Gallery of Guelph (# 12 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     The unique thing about the Art Gallery of Guelph is that, along with the indoor gallery, there is an outdoor gallery of structures and art on the properties surrounding the building. When we were there inside the gallery, my favourite display was photos taken by Roberta Bondar. They were beautifully done. Here are a few samples of her work.

     Below are other items in the art gallery that caught my attention

Needle work

Soap stone carving

A collection of miniature busts. Of who? who knows!

Whale shaped comb

2. Do a scavenger hunt of the sculpture park at the Art Gallery of Guelph (#76 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     The outdoor gallery had many intriguing items. Some very simple. You wonder if it is really art but I guess to someone it is. With map in hand, we searched the property for all the items on the map. We did pretty well. Only a few we did not see because they were missing. Here are some interesting ones.

This one you really have to look for. My shadow is standing in a pathway
that leads to a circular mound and hollow
Called Circle Mound

Interesting! Called Monad

A small boat up on the bank in the middle of the field. Why?
Called Stray Plow

A right leg! Random.. Called Achilles

The Mask is my favourite. You can drive by it while travelling on Gordon Street.
One way you see what looks like a face that did the face plant into the ground.
The other or inner side looks unique and the eyes follow you as you go by.

Canadiana Begging Bear
This bear is dressed up in a variety of costumes
I am sure each dressing has a meaning. Note the fabric attached
on the leg to a shovel

A push pin in the ground. Is this art? What do you think?

3. Learn about Guelph's athletic talent at the Sports Hall of Fame at the Sleeman Centre (#58 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     There are many athletes and sports displayed at the Sports Hall of Fame. I was really interested in a specific one and that was Victor Davis. Many years ago, I worked in aquatics at the Etobicoke Olympium as the Aquatic Supervisor.  I got to meet Victor Davis during the 1984 Olympic Trials which were held at the Olympium.

In 1990 he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1992 and Guelph’s largest public pool is named in his honour. To read more about Victor click here

4. Take a picture of the most iconic Guelph attraction -- Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (#4 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)
5. Tour the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and take in the intriguing architecture (#9 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)
6. Count the steps to the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (#73 of the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     This is an outstanding landmark in the City of Guelph. John Galt, the founder of the City of Guelph, gave to his friend, the first Bishop of Upper Canada, the hill in the center of the town as a prime location to build a Catholic church. The parish of Our Lady Immaculate was established.

    The City of Guelph's zoning by-laws establish "protected view areas" that are designed to ensure clear sight lines to the Church of Our Lady from various vantage points in the downtown core. Any communication towers or other buildings built in the downtown area must not obscure the view of the church. Also, no new buildings in Guelph are allowed to be higher in elevation than the Church.

The Basilica from the bottom of the stairs

Al and I are starting off on the climb to the top of the stairs.
There were more than 100 steps to climb to the top. Yes, we counted
but forgot to write the number down so you will just have to come
and count it for yourself.

View of MacDonell Street from the top of steps.

     Below are some of the architectural features of the exterior. The church was closed so we did not see the interior.

     There is so much to see in Guelph. I am sure that you can find things of interest to see in your Town as well.