Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday as a nation this year. The capital city of Ottawa, Ontario is my home and in many ways the center (or centre) of the birthday celebrations. But of all the amazing things that have gone on so far in Ottawa in 2017 to mark the occasion, from my perspective the most impressive one is happening right across the river in Gatineau, Quebec.
I had a chance to walk through the wonder that is MosaiCanada 150 in Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau about a week ago. Here is a description from the City of Gatineau’s website:
For 107 days, Jacques-Cartier Park will host the biggest horticultural event in Canada, with MOSAÏCANADA 150/Gatineau 2017. Mosaiculture is a most spectacular horticultural technique that combines the following different art forms:
- sculpture for the structure,
- paint for the palette of colours, and
- horticulture as the means of creating living and changing artworks with plants.
The theme of the Gatineau exhibit will reflect 150 years of history, values, culture and arts in Canada, represented by some 40 different arrangements.
All the provinces are represented in different sculptures, as are key elements of history and culture, of the indigenous people and the impact of the arrival of the first Europeans and the waves of immigrants, creating the mosaic known as Canada. The beauty of the wilderness and the unique things that define this country are also on display. There are also contributions from China as an expression of goodwill and friendship for Canada’s 150th.
I was overwhelmed by the skill and artistry and the sheer scope of this project. It was beautiful and instructive and inspiring. If you are anywhere near Ottawa or planning to be here soon, I cannot recommend a visit more highly – It is free and on until October 15, 2017.
Here are more photos I took during my visit:
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