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Just in case you haven't checked out Weltschmerz this week.... here's a teaser. This strip is created in Guelph by Gareth Lind. When you visit his blog, take the time to surf through his archives. Heck, buy a book too. The artwork is well worth owning.Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
All week I've been plying you with photos taken of our lovely Church of Our Lady by various Guelphite's and friends. I've also offered information about the on going fate of the Loretta Convent.
Here's the Convent with a Church of Our Lady tower in the background.
Thanks to photographer Denim for today's great photos.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Back in July 2004, I wrote an editorial for the Guelph Mercury that pretty much sums up my thoughts on our current city politicians and their stance on Guelph's heritage buildings.
The Loretta Convent situation had my socks in a knot even then.
You can flashback to my diatribe here.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Refurbished, the Loretta Convent would make a stunning home for the Guelph Civic Museum and an incredible addition to the tourist draw of Catholic Hill.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
The unassuming back door to the Loretta Convent.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
According to the Guelph Mercury, the Church of Our Lady is "one of 122 parishes in the Hamilton diocese and boasts 2,600 families in the congregation."
Sue Richards
Photo by: Elitsa
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
As I drove out of town towards Fergus yesterday, I was struck by this realization about the big box development in our north end.
There are over 8,000 photographs of Guelph published on the web based photo site Flickr. After spending the last six months monitoring the daily photo uploads and digging through the archives, it would appear that no one with a camera thinks that the *Smart Centre* development, nor any of the other sprawl type scenes unfolding in Guelph deserve to be included in that enormous set of images.
Instead, people take thousands of photos of our historic buildings and beautiful river lined parks.
Sue Richards
Find out how to have your photo's featured on Blog Guelph by reading this post.
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Our Lady looks lovely in the spotlight.
Sue Richards.
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Church of Our Lady does the Friendly Giant..... looking up....way up.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Eric Giberson adds some fancy effects to this classic shot of Our Lady.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Tomorrow, we'll take a look inside.
Sue Richards
Take photos of 'your Guelph' and share them with the world on Blog Guelph. Find out how here.
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
If I am to draw a conclusion regarding the number of photos posted on Flickr, the Church of Our Lady is the most photogenic landmark in our city.
When talk started circulating about the possibility of Guelph's Civic Museum taking up residence in the now empty Loretto Convent situated beside the church and built between 1854-57, Guelph's Catholic Hill had the exciting potential of becoming an enormous tourist draw.
But a funny thing has happened in the three years since this idea has been rolling around......
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Since our last municipal election in November 2003, very little effort has been directed towards capitalizing on or enhancing our most recognizable landmark by preserving the The Loretto Convent.
When elected city officials suggested demolishing the convent, citizens roared. Rather than bringing in the wrecking ball, a Task Force was established to study the situation and make recommendations for the future of Loretto Convent. Guelphites crossed their fingers.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
The Task Force finalized their report on The Loretto Convent's future in March of 2006. The entire report can be found here.
I noted that the recommendation section of the Task Force report starts off with this paragraph.
"The lands and buildings of Catholic Hill are owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. Ultimate responsibility for the use and development of these facilities must remain the purview of the Diocese. Development of the site will depend on the right opportunity being available at the right time, suggesting that patience will be a virtue. At the same time, the Council of the City of Guelph is a key driver in the overall economic health of the community. It is clear to the Task Force that preservation of heritage buildings is an increasingly important dimension of a vibrant City."
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
So far, our elected officials have reported no action on the Loretto Task Force Recommendations. One theory suggests that our city mother's and father's are trying out the passive “demolished by neglect,” approach, a phrase coined by London, Ontario city heritage planner Christine Nelson.
According to Nelson, “The easiest thing to do that’s non-confrontational is to leave a building empty, turn off the lights and heat and pretty soon it’s going to be unsafe and too expensive to repair”.
Find out more about our current elected officials heritage record at the Guelph Civic League website.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Imagine Catholic Hill with the addition of the Guelph Civic Museum nicely housed in the Loretto Convent. Imagine knowing your elected officials recognized the full value in heritage buildings. Imagine living in a vibrant, beautiful city run by smart people who understand and care.
Please vote in our next municipal election on November 13th. Find out who is running in your ward. Take the time to figure out what they stand for and how they view important heritage issues.
The Guelph Civic League website can start you off in an informed direction.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
The 2007 Breast of Canada Calendar launch takes place on September 29, at the Guelph Youth Music Centre in conjunction with the Avant Breast Art Auction.
Avant Breast was designed by Jen Turnbull to raise additional funds and awareness for the breast health calendar Breast of Canada and associated charity the Canadian Breast Cancer Network.
Leading up to the auction, the Avant Breast artwork will be on display at Wyndham Art Supplies, And Venus Smiled and Stelle. Contributing local artists include Sarah Palmer, Goldie Sherman, Tammy Wrice, Grayden Laing, Simon Fleming, Greg Denton, Aimee Charbonneau, Anne Hansen, Anwen Sutherland, Bunny Safari and the Round Tuit Tee-Shirt Gallery.
Please join calendar publisher Sue Richards along with celebrity auctioneer Stacey Hare, of Rogers Television’s "First Local", for this fantastic event. This is your opportunity to purchase a unique and beautiful painting, sculpture, fashion accessory or calendar and support a worthy cause!
Friday September 29, 8pm, Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, $5.00 at the door.
Cover Photo by Melanie Gillis.
Shameless. I know.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
On Saturday, Downtowner's got a peek into the world of photo taking for the Guelph Firefighter's annual sizzling calendar. Watch the local papers for details of this editions launch and where it will be available.
Thanks to photographer digitalambition for facing the heat!
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
The fall equinox arrived in town draped in humidity at 4:03 am on Saturday.
So far, the weather for our newest season has been wildly varied. Yesterday I required the use of my umbrella, sunglasses, down vest and capri pants.
If you're a weatherhead, on frost alert or simply keen to know every second by second detail of our cities wind chill, pressure change and dew point click here.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
VW-Busman is at it again with his "where in Guelph" contest. Click on the picture and leave your educated guesses as to where this head can be found in town. Apparently you can win big prizes.
Here's a convoluted hint for you. This is a bull, not a steer. I know this for sure BECAUSE of where Mr. Moo is located.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Guelphites will be asked to go to the polls on November 13th to determine who will be running our city for the next four years.
In my mind, this is important stuff. Think garbage, water, sprawl and traffic.... that's the job of local government.
Unfortunately, 64% of the eligible voters in our city DID NOT bother to cast their vote in our last election. As a result of this somewhat disturbing percentage, the Guelph Civic League was born. One of their stated goals is to increase the percentage of voting public to at least 50%.
Their website is pretty darn comprehensive. In fact, they even provide a page of candidate names and contacts currently registered in the race.
Sue Richards
Thanks to vw-busman for the pic.
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
School bus orange shines like a beacon on a wet, cold day. Photographer Ned Bekavac provides this slice of current Guelph life.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
According to the University of Guelph Athletics Department websitethe Athletics Association was formed in 1892. The Gryphon logo, captured here by K Jane, depicts an animal "symbolically significant for its domination of both the earth and the sky; because of its lion's body and eagle's head and wings."
Me....I like the colours.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
E Girl provides this clever perspective of an Ultimate Frisbee, pre-game ritual. I'm told that UF leagues in the city are growing by leaps and bounds. If you're looking for a very physical, fun group activity, check them out.
Love the colours.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
I know I've seen this wall downtown but I can't quite place it. As you might expect, I think the colour is fabulous.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Guelphites have been basking in all kinds of weather the last few days. If it's starting to get you down, read on for some uplifting solutions.
Sue Richards
Photo by psychicgypsy.
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Cats know how to live through the worst weather conditions. Here we see Rolo's solution to grey, wet and windy.
Sue Richards
Photo by blogger Phil Allt.
Guelph Lake beckons....
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
The Fourth Annual Speed River Regatta and official launch of the Bob Bell Municiple Election Campaign took place Sunday September 17 across from the River Run Centre.
About 30 boats registered for an afternoon of fun and games including a chance to win Stanleys' Cup in the wild and wet canoe hockey game.
Thanks to K Jane for hanging out on the river bank with her camera.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Just one of the 'sporting events' played at the Speed River Regatta. For those non boating types, the stern person sits in the rear and steers the boat. When fitted with very fetching head sized paper-bags, the stern people had to rely on other senses in order to get their craft over the finish line.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Sweet Sixteen boaters known as Team Birthday Girl captured Stanleys' heart, but not his cup.
Sue Richards
PS Photographer K Jane strikes again!
Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Photo by Evan Ferrari.Tags: Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Title: "Jewel in the Mist" by Oxanna Adams.Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam photo.
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at The Bookshelf.
Guelph Farmers' Market is open from 7am until noon, year round.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
Vaneramos captured the church over seeing this mornings market activity.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
I've purchased apples from these vendors for 25 years. This morning I was served by the very apple-smart grandson...my first apple transaction of the season.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
It's very easy to get your five recommended daily servings of fruit at the market.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
Photographer Vaneramos works the market crowd.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
I root for vegetables.
Sorry.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph, , Art Jam , , .
Breast of Canada calendars are now available at Macondo Books.
Photographer and blogger Vaneramos joined the crowd last Sunday at the ever so civilized Eden Mills Writers' Festival and snapped this amusing pic of author Margaret Atwood.
One could apply many interpretations to the Caution sign.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam Margaret Atwood, Flickr, photo.
The ubiqitous Mr. Denton was busy chowing down on Feng's Dumplings at the Jazz Festival Tent last Saturday. According to the makers of these delectible morsals of yummy goodness, every last dumpling they could make was consumed by the jazzy crowd.
Should you wonder just what a Feng's Dumpling tastes like, drop into the Guelph Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and get yourself a tray fresh from the griddle.
Sue Richards
Would you like to see your photos on Blog Guelph? Read all about ‘how to’ right here.
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam Guelph Farmers Market, Flickr, photo.
Autumn continues to paint its way across the city.
Sue Richards
PS. Do you want to see your photos on Blog Guelph? Read all about ‘how to’ right here.
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam seasons, Flickr, photo.
Need to take a breather? The University of Guelph Arboretum offers an oasis for those who find solace and comfort in natural environments. Trails wind willy nilly around the expansive grounds and trees cap the single roadway leading into the actual centre.
Corbeau du nord captures this lovely scene of students walking in the early morning light.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam seasons, Flickr, photo.
I've often thought that at the very least, some talented artist could be commissioned to paint the wooden window coverings of this stunning albeit grossly uncared for building in downtown Guelph.
According to Guelph historian, Gil Stelter, "The Petrie Pharmacy, completed for A.B. Petrie in 1882 clearly proclaims its function with a giant druggist's mortar and pestle as its cornice. The striking facade of stamped, galvanized iron was manufactured in Ohio. John Day designed this building."
Photo by digitalambition.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam heritage, Flickr, photo.
This perspective of the Church of Our Lady was obviously taken during much fairer weather.
Taken by photographer ndh.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam heritage, Flickr, photo.
Looking up....way up...
The Goldie Mill property was first occupied in 1829. The mills history is rather rich, with multiple owners, a devastating fire and operational changes over the years.
During my time in Guelph I've attended film nights, weddings, pottery markets and concerts in the mill ruins. A walking/bike trail runs through the property too.
Photo by stingrayz08.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam heritage, Flickr, photo.
According to the beginning page of the River Run Centre website, "The Speed Skating Rink opened in 1882 on the site of River Run Centre where fancy dress carnivals and balls were regular fare. In later years the Speed Skating Rink was used as a warehouse, and in 1991 the building was destroyed by fire. Stones from the front of the building were kept for reconstruction of a façade in the parkland in front of River Run."
Photographer TheGiantVermin captures the stone facade rather nicely in this pic. And I'm told the folks at the carwash do a dandy job of custom cleaning your car.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam heritage, Flickr, photo.
The Guelph Train Station, built in 1911 is a classic example of cool by my standards. Photographer thephilosopherisin captures this moody Bogart style shot of the front archway.
Let's hope that when Via finally decides to build a larger, differently located station, our city moms and pops have the good sense to keep this gem standing. BTW, the inside has some equally striking features.
Sue Richards
Tags: Blog Guelph,Blog Guelph, Guelph, Art Jam heritage, Flickr, photo.
Downtown Guelph, University of Guelph, The Guelph Hillside Festival or The Guelph Lake Conservation Area.
On the other hand, you may be curious about what the City of Guelph looked like last October or maybe Spring. Indeed you may be the type that would love to wade through our deep and refreshing archives. There are over 5,000 terrific Guelph photos, taken by a growing tribe of fantastic photographers, currently available for your viewing pleasure. Check out the Blog Guelph archives located 'back up there' and appropriately titled: Blog Guelph Archives.
