Berczy Park Fountain: Public Art Going to the Dogs

The Berczy Park Fountain, designed by Montreal’s Claude Cormier officially opens June 28th.  I paid a quick visit to see this whimsical fountain on Wellington.  Most of the construction fences are down now. Perhaps not everyone will appreciate the fountain’s almost disney-esque aesthetic, but it definitely brings smiles of delight as most people enter the square.  The vibe is unpretentious and fun.

Large breeds surround the outside of the fountain and a circle of curly-tailed pugs spurt from the lower level.

One cat! Kids love touching the spouting water and riding on a few of the bigger dogs.

Smiles all around!

The lower lip around the circumference of the fountain holds running water for an easy cool sip.

Public Art is a challenge.  You simply can’t please everyone. And while this fountain can’t touch Chicago’s Cloud Gate or Joe Fafard’s cows resting in pasture among the Toronto skyscrapers, it has undeniable appeal. A good discussion of the current state of public art in Toronto can be found here. It’s ridiculous and it’s fun. I dare you to NOT smile when you visit it.

I have a few session’s worth of photos in progress and can’t wait to post them, once client art work has been finalized.  If you are interested in bringing your beautiful dog in for a studio or outdoor session before summer holidays begin in earnest, please do get in touch!