A new art installation at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus is a collaboration of input from staff and students to create a symbol of unity, diversity and community engagement.
RIDGETOWN – A new art installation at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus is a collaboration of input from staff and students to create a symbol of unity, diversity and community engagement.
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The tree sculpture created from vintage and reused agricultural equipment parts is on permanent display in front of the DJ Pestell student services building after being unveiled on Thursday.
The initiative provides students the opportunity to “leave a legacy and shape the campus for students today and into the future,” said Ridgetown campus director Brett Shepherd.
“As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, expressing our plant, animal, environmental, and sustainability achievements through public art is a perfect way to build awareness of our campus and fulfill our promise to improve the world growing around us,” he said.
The artwork was created by Highgate couple Todd and Joan Phibbs, of Blacksmith and Tin.
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Todd Phibbs described the project as “daunting. . . especially when it’s something you haven’t done before.”
Joan Phibbs, who did the concept drawing for the design, added: “It was totally from scratch, it was like a blank page for us.”
The couple have differing opinions on when it became apparent the sculpture was going to be something special.
Joan said it was apparent right from the start with the design.
“We knew Todd could do the building of it,” she said.
Todd said it was only about three weeks ago that he gained confidence “that it’s going to come together that it looks like we’re going to meet the deadline, that takes some of the stress off.”
Shepherd noted consultation with First Nations was a priority in creating the concept for the sculpture. He added Caldwell First Nation artist Naomi Peters presented several designs that reflected significant Indigenous symbols.
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He noted the sculpture features seven roots to represent the seven main branches of the Grandfather’s teaching of the Anishinaabe, which are humility, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect and love.
“These guiding values provide grounding for living a full and healthy life in harmony with creation,” Shepherd said.
A plaque will be installed that provides more information about the seven Grandfather’s teachings, he said.
Cara Waycamp, assistant vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives for the University of Guelph, said university’s Indigenous initiative strategy is committing to “actions toward Indigenization and reconciliation as an educational institute.
“One aspect of that is to try to weave Indigenous presence into all aspects of our campus life; provide opportunities for cultural connection and social connection and resurgence as well as an educational opportunity,” she added.
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Waycamp believes representation in public art does that because “it shapes our spaces and creates a sense of belonging.”
Recognition and appreciation also was expressed to Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and East Kent Coun. John Wright, who both contributed to the project through their portions of the Hydro One community benefit program to support arts, culture and recreation projects.
Canniff, who has been actively promoting public art across the municipality, said, “This is just the start of it.”
The mayor would like to see a public art piece created on the campus annually.
Shepherd agreed.
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