Slip on some comfy shoes and head out for a day of creative ways to blend an art experience with some fresh air and sunshine in Hamilton Halton Brant.
Must-See Sculptures in Burlington
Explore the rotating collection of Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail or access the online Burlington Art And The City Tour downtown public art walking tour, grab an iced coffee and spend some time taking in the outdoor sculptures near downtown Burlington’s waterfront. Don’t miss these local favourites:
- Lady of the Lake, located in Spencer Smith Park, is said to represent the mysterious female who gave King Arthur his magical sword, Excalibur. The sculpture symbolizes Burlington’s relationship with Lake Ontario. It was a gift to the city in honour of Burlington’s centennial.
- Bimose Agaming & Walking Along the Lake is an art walk featuring the work of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. The electrical boxes along Spencer Smith Park are each wrapped with art created by Indigenous artists from across Turtle island, leading visitors to the Orange Crosswalk and ending (or starting!) at the sculpture Conversations and Stories by David General, an Oneida/Mohawk artists and member of the Six Nations of the Grant River
- A Space Composition for Rebecca is a sizeable aluminum sculpture located outside the Art Gallery of Burlington. The sculpture explores the interplay between mass and void in defining space. The sculptor, Haydn Llewellyn Davies, was inspired for this piece by a trip to Stonehenge and several visits to Japan.
- Alumina, also outside the Art Gallery of Burlington, was inspired by late eighteenth-century French Sevres vases and Renaissance Mediterranean apothecary jars.
While in Burlington, plan a visit to Royal Botanical Garden’s International Sculpture Collection, a permanent collection in Hendrie Park. The statues include works commissioned by artists from Canada, the United States, Ireland, Spain and Africa. Be sure to experience RBG’s Earth Art installations and Legacy Art pieces during your visit.
The Barn Quilts of Brant County
Barn Quilts are large pieces of wood that have been painted to look like a quilt block. Some Barn Quilts replicate famous traditional quilt patterns. Other Barn Quilts tell a story about the community, the region’s history, or the property where they hang. Brant County is home to over 30 different Barn Quilts located on private and public properties throughout the county. Exploring country roads while searching them out is a pleasant way to spend an art-filled afternoon. Get tips for packing a perfect picnic to bring along in our Beyond The Basket article.
Download a map of Brant County’s Barn Quilt locations.
Hamilton’s Hip Urban Street Art Scene
For art lovers looking for colourful works with a strong sense of place, Hamilton’s downtown core delivers. Plan your route by previewing photos of the many different murals here. Load the online map onto your phone, put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and spend a few hours exploring Hamilton’s creative side.
Art to Relax on in Oakville
Explore the At Home in Bronte collection of beautifully painted Muskoka chairs along the scenic Bronte Habour, across Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and their business district. Hired by the Bronte BIA, 9 local artists painted 65 chairs – each with their own story and symbolism to enjoy; and then take a load off and enjoy some sun by the water!
Modern Outdoor Artworks in Brantford
The art collection at Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford showcases unique modern sculpture throughout the gardens, including Life Mound by V. Jane Gordon, 11 from two by Ryszard Litwiniuk, and Meg’s Pause by David Hind.
