Bayfield - Public Art in Clan Gregor Square

Bayfield is on the leading edge of public art in Huron County. The Bayfield Sails Project was initiated by the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) in 2022, and features six hand-painted metal sailboat sculptures installed on municipal land throughout the village. The BCA is now working on a large commission that will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Bayfield in the form of a sculpture in Clan Gregor Square. The organization has raised the money through generous donations from the community, and a significant donation from the artist himself.

 

The BCA is working with Ron Martin, a well-known metal sculptor and abstract artist from London, ON to create a piece that will pay homage to the essence of the community’s connection to the lake. Leslee Squirrell, President of the BCA, says that their vision is for the piece to be an inspiration for people in the future while respecting the past.

 

The sculpture will be donated to the municipality, along with a fund to ensure its maintenance. Squirrell is impressed with the public art policy that the municipality has now put in place, which made the entire process very streamlined. Bayfield is one of the smallest communities to draft such a policy and the BCA were very involved during the process. She thinks that this is a great example for other municipalities in the area to promote and encourage art in public spaces.

 

Martin’s sculpture is entitled “Swimming with the Fishes” and the largest component represents a vessel on the lake, and is surrounded by smaller pieces which are fish native to Lake Huron. In addition to the metal sculpture, there is a planting component of native flora and agriculture. The piece will be completed with a small fence and a storyboard.

 

The placement is ideal, according to Squirrel. They have chosen a spot in Clan Gregor Square at the confluence of the walkways near the playground in a raised planter, giving it a place of prominence.