Fair Grounds - Toronto, ON - Abstract Public Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Fairgrounds consists of 16 tall, stainless steel poles with a colourful ribbon, attached and flying in the wind, at the top of each pole. When I first saw this sculpture I thought it was wonderful and had such a light and happy feel to it, nice to see some colour in outside art. But the first time I saw it I didn't realize that the eight stainless steel chairs, which were on the sidewalk, about 20 feet away from these poles were a part of this sculpture. The next time I came to this sculpture I spent more time looking at the chairs. The chairs seem to be randomly placed on the sidewalk and each is of a different design. I have yet to see anyone sitting on one of these chairs even though they are completely accessible and look comfortable. The title of this sculpture and the artist's name is carved into the seat of one of these chairs - nice touch.


Fair Grounds is one of the featured pieces of art (#1) on the City of Toronto's Art Walk - Toronto's Outdoor Art Gallery. Link: (visit link)

"Fair Grounds
Michel Goulet, 2003
Fair Grounds is a poetic celebration of the physical and psychological experiences people share. The bright, jubilant colours of the ribbons fastened atop each pole recall the tradition of tying a ribbon around objects – a tree, a cherished item, one’s finger – to remind or commemorate the hopes, wishes or fond memories associated with a particular person, place or thing.

The chairs, unique in period and style, are arranged in a variety of pairings expressing the diversity of our relationships and communications. The title and arrangement of the work remind us of the fairness and equality necessary to our shared existence."

This sculpture is located on Wellington Street West, on the north side of the street, east of Spadina Avenue.

Title: Fair Grounds Artist: Michel Goulet Media (materials) used: Stainless steel Location (specific park, transit center, library, etc.): 270 Wellington Street West, Toronto Date of creation or placement: 2003

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   06/22/2022 CMonky visited it