Catching Spirit

The Spirit Catcher standing on the shore of Kempenfelt Bay. The native North Americans of this area believed that these sculptures had the power to catch and trap unhappy or malevolent spirits and, as such, these were erected facing burial plots or near the entrances of homes to keep spirits from venturing where they were not wanted.

This sculpture was originally created by local artist Ron Baird and was first displayed at the World Exposition 1986 in Vancouver, Canada. It was purchased by the Helen McCrea Peacock Foundation and donated to the city of Barrie in an effort to inspire the creation of a serious art gallery in the city. The effort was a success and the Spirit Catcher still protects our shore while the McLaren Art Centre has recently acquired 9 Rodin bronze casts.