Music Centre Donor Wall

This mosaic triptych was commissioned in 2004 by the Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC). The wall recognizes the people and organizations that made major financial donations to the capital campaign which raised funds for the purchase and renovation of a dedicated building. The GYMC is a unique facility that educates, enriches and fosters the development of Guelph’s youth through music and the arts. This commission was truly a labour of love.

A number of thoughtful design flourishes add meaning to the work. It is a mixture of sculptural elements and broken tile mosaic. A young girl playing the violin is seen in the foreground. The violin is representative of the key role played by the Suzuki String School of Guelph in initiating the search for a permanent facility. The jester is a nod to the wide range of performing arts programs that are offered throughout the year. Finally, as if announcing the beginning of a performance, a young trumpeter plays a fanfare. Trees, flowers and water are also sculpted.

The background elements of sky and grassy hills were carefully made. Large slabs of pottery were crafted and glazed with varying shades of colour. Some of the sections were decorated with slip trailing and writing. The slabs were then smashed into smaller pieces that could be “painted” with.