A Lego version of the MS Chi-Cheemaun has dropped anchor at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
Curator of Public Projects and Education Heather McLeese says the massive Lego sculpture was crafted by Ken Reid of Owen Sound.
“A big Lego enthusiast, he replicated the Chi-Cheemaun in this large scale Lego display. I think there is over 92,000 bricks of Lego that makes up the Chi-Cheemaun ferry,” says McLeese. “He said he really wanted to celebrate the Chi-Cheemaun. He missed their 50th anniversary last year and he said he really wanted to create something that had this local connection, and what better object then something that connects us and gets people going on a ship and touring the area.”
The over nine foot detailed replica also includes 600 miniature figurines, up to 100 vehicles, and a fully detailed inside, which McLeese says took Reid about 600 hours to build after he started at the beginning of the year.
“I don’t know anybody who is not interested in looking at large scale Lego sculptures and this one has a real local connection being of the Chi-Cheemaun ferry.”
Lego Chi-Cheemaun (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
The Chi-Cheemaun worked with Reid and allowed him to come aboard and take pictures of the vessel to assist with the project.
McLeese says they have had visitors of all ages coming to visit the gallery to view the sculpture.
“There is a lot of adult Lego enthusiasts in the area. People are excited about it,” says McLeese.
She adds Reid has undertaken other large Lego projects, including a replica of Toronto’s famous Casa Loma and adds this could open the door to other Lego projects.
“We have not had this type of sculpture here before, there are some contemporary artists who use Lego bricks, but this is the first Lego display the TOM has done,” says McLeese.
The sculpture is situated at the entrance of the gallery until the end of September.
