On Tuesday, June 26, Carleton’s new READ Initiative (Research, Education, Accessibility and Design) will be announced at the dedication ceremony for Sailing Through Time, a sculpture created from a venerable oak tree that once stood in Brighton Beach, Old Ottawa South. A dedication plaque will also be unveiled to commemorate the event.
Media are invited to attend.
When: Tuesday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
Where: Lobby, River Building, Carleton University
On Saturday, June 23, Ottawa City Councilor David Chernushenko and sculptor David Fels will lead a Capital Ward Walk that focuses on the themes of art and rebirth.
The walk will begin from the stump of the storied oak and will proceed to Carleton’s River Building for a sneak preview of the sculpture. Topics covered will include parks, security, infill, bicycle paths, green buildings and sculpture.
When: Saturday, June 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Intersection of Brighton Avenue and Rideau River Drive
About Sailing Through Time:
Entitled Sailing Through Time, the sculpture is constructed from the wood of Brighton Beach Oak tree estimated to be more than 200 years old. The majestic tree had been deteriorating for many years and attempts to extend its life by City of Ottawa officials proved unsuccessful. The tree had to be removed from its home in Old Ottawa South in mid-2011. The theme of the sculpture depicts that in life, just as in sailing, we cannot always control what happens as we cannot predict the wind, but we can use it to our best advantage.
Led by Larry McCloskey, director of Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities, a university group interested in promoting a multi-disciplinary focus on accessibility began discussions with the City of Ottawa about the Brighton Beach Oak. He envisioned the creation of a sculpture that would honour Rick Hansen’s 25th Anniversary of his Man in Motion World tour, and Carleton’s commitment to accessibility. Sculptor David Fels began work on the sculpture shortly after the tree’s removal. The sculpture was virtually unveiled in October 2011 at an event to introduce the concept of the READ Initiative (Research, Education, Accessibility and Design) and to coincide with Rick Hansen’s arrival in Ottawa on his 25th Anniversary Relay. The public is welcome to visit the sculpture, which is permanently installed in the lobby of Carleton’s River Building.
About the READ Initiative:
The institute aims to bring greater focus to disability issues, develop policy, conduct applied research and provide a forum for collaborations with community groups and governments.
“The demand for new programs in this area is growing,’’ says McCloskey. “And we want Carleton to be at the forefront of studies and research that have applications to everyone but keep disability in mind.’’
The READ initiative will be championed by the Dean of Engineering and Design, Dr. Rafik Goubran, but will support accessibility initiatives across all faculties and departments at
Carleton.
For more information about Carleton’s accessibility services and research, please go to: http://www1.carleton.ca/pmc/.
-30-
For more information:
Chris Cline
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
