Donald Forster Sculpture Park

Evan Penny, Mask, 1989 (bronze) Commissioned with funds donated by the Class of 1930, Ontario Agricultural College, on their 50th anniversary, with sponsorship from du Maurier Arts Ltd., and with support from the Ontario Government through the Ministry of Culture and Communication, 1989, Macdonald Stewart Art Centre Collection at the Art Gallery of GuelphMask by Evan Penny (born 1953, lives and works in Toronto, ON) challenges the idea of traditional monumental art and its association with the highest norms in society: as a propaganda tool promoting civic causes, serving the wealthy or powerful figures. Penny states that “the intent of the work is to counter-evoke the authoritative posture of most historical public figurative sculpture.” Mask was created to encourage viewers to interact with the sculpture, as well as to question their perception of the piece. Penny installed his larger-than-life sculpture in a location that would be immediately accessible to the general public, easily visible to passersby and street traffic. Mask depicts the features of a youthful androgynous face, its nose pressed into the slope of the ground and the concave (reverse) side of the mask facing up. The optics of the mask make it appear to be more solid and idealized from the distance, its perspective and dimensionality changing based on the viewer’s proximity to the sculpture. The viewer is placed in an authoritarian position, playing a role in the creation and meaning of the image, a reversal of the traditional public viewer’s role.FUN FACT: In 1981, only two years after graduating with a BFA degree from the Alberta College of Art, Evan Penny received his first major solo exhibition, held at the Edmonton Art Gallery. The face in Mask is a portrait of Penny’s contemporary, Stephen Andrews, a nationally acclaimed artist who is also represented in the collection at the Art Gallery of Guelph.

Not too large, but nevertheless enjoyable. I especially like the motor boat that is leaving a wake in the turf behind it. Definitely worth the time to wander through and take in the art.

How refreshing to find a sculpture garden with so many styles. A wonderful place to visit if you enjoy great photo opportunities.

fun and interesting place. a nice stroll. look online for information about each installation.

I love the way the decorate the bear! Today it's made to spread awareness about the homelessness crises and how society perceives it, something very timely and meaningful.

Lovely and creative visual pieces to enjoy surrounded by beautiful, lush trees. Located right outside and surrounding the Art Gallery of Guelph, there is free parking and a great way to end or start your visit to the gallery.In the spring, the trees produce such nice blossoms so they’re great for photo opps too! :)My kids enjoy spending time and exploring here.

I don't love every piece here, but enough of them are great enough that it's worth visiting. Ron Benner's installation was deliciously subversive.

Its always great to see as Guelphite or a visitor. The Bear is the voice of time without saying a word. Love it.

Beautiful spot, very worth a wander.