The SPIRIT CATCHER IS A SCULPTURE THAT IS PROBABLY THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED PART OF BARRIE, ONTARIO. IT SITS AT THE WATERFRONT AT THE HEAD OF KEMPENFELT BAY.
The sculpture -The Spirit Catcher was designed by Ron Baird for EXPO 86 (1986) that was held in Vancouver, B.C. At the end of the exposition, this gigantic artwork was donated to MacLaren Art Center and the City of Barrie.
This 20 tonne piece was influenced by the west coast and the Thunderbird of First Nations Mythology.
Size: 70 x 65 feet
-16 kinetic quills each free moving
-2 wings
-3 legs
-pair of kinetic antennae
The corten steel used does not flake when it rusts, therefor will never disintegrate.
When you stand in front of this amazing sculpture and see the quills moving you realize it is alive. It is so powerful. Every time the light changes, the look changes. Barrie on Kempenfelt Bay has a vast history with the First Nations and is appropriately situated close to the Nine Mile Portage Route.
This was the first piece in the public collection of artworks that are in the downtown Barrie.
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Thanks for coming by……
Its In The Picture - 365 
This is a lovely sculpture. I have driven by Barrie on my way to the north many times but we never made it to the city centre so I have never seen it. Looks like it is worth a detour though!
Yes it is. When you come back to this area, I suggest you take some time to walk along the waterfront too. There is a lot of history along here. This is where the natives camped and then the voyagers/soldiers would bring their canoes up from Toronto (York),camp and start their journey on the Nine Mile Portage. They would go through to the Minesing swamp on into Midland (St Marie). This route actually kept this corner of Ontario in Canada. It was the swamp that had a fort and they kept the supplies and troups hidden during the war of 1812 so that they could protect Midland, Penetang, from American invasion. This maybe more information than you were looking for but I will send anyways. I love the history here!
Thanks for the additional information. I love history as well. We did visit Penetang & Midland a few times to see the Fort and the Wye Marsh. It is a lovely area.
It is nice that someone can identify with the blog. With the War of 1812 celebrations again this year, there will be lots to see this summer. Thanks Suzanne or Pierre…..
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