Spirit Catcher

Spirit Catcher is a 21-meter-tall sculpture made of weathering steel with 16 kinetic quills mounted on ball bearings. These moving elements respond to wind patterns, creating continuous motion that changes with the seasons and daily weather.

This steel work originated from Vancouver's EXPO 86 before the Helen McCrea Peacock Foundation purchased it and relocated it to Barrie in 1987. The sculpture has since become a permanent fixture along the waterfront.

The sculpture draws from Indigenous design traditions of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the form of the Thunderbird. Visitors can observe how the kinetic quills move with the wind, creating a connection between human creativity and natural forces.

The sculpture is freely accessible along the Kempenfelt Bay waterfront and can be visited at any time. The location is easily reached by car or public transit, and the waterside area offers walking paths and views of the bay.

The sculpture serves as a navigation landmark for boats traveling on Kempenfelt Bay, helping boaters orient themselves on the water. Its weathering steel construction develops a distinctive rust-colored patina over time, which actually protects the metal from further corrosion.

Location: Barrie

Inception: 1986

Architects: Ron Baird

Height: 21 m

Made from material: weathering steel

Website: https://maclarenart.com/plan-your-visit/shop-dine/gallery-shop/spirit-catcher

GPS coordinates: 44.38650,-79.68927

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27