The Landmarks

 As I'd said, I knew that I wouldn't be able to see everything at this bicentennial party, but I wanted to make one more stop, seeing as how the establishment was very visibly taking part in the festivities. I crossed the Rideau Canal via the Mackenzie King Bridge, taking two shots looking north towards Plaza Bridge, where this series started. Landmarks include the National Arts Centre and Parliament Hill at left, and the Chateau Laurier and Government Conference Centre at right. It looked like an official party was departing the NAC.

I headed onto the terrace at the NAC, since that was my destination, and took this photo across the Canal of the Ottawa Convention Centre. Its architecture has always appealed to me.

A look to the left gives us the Chateau and the Conference Centre. Both date to 1912, and the latter started its life as a train station linked to the hotel. These days it hosts the Senate while work on Parliament Hill continues.

Another shot, looking at the NAC. Sections of glass-dominated additions were added on and opened up for 2017, creating more space and off-setting the Brutalist architecture.

I photographed a section of art when I entered the building. A Given Number Of Owls is a 1972 work by Jack Shadbolt.

This is a portion of a large door within the NAC. Beyond it is a large room used for multiple purposes. I once donated blood in that room. I've always liked this door. It feels like something out of science fiction, like Blade Runner.

The NAC hosts classical music, pop and jazz concerts, and theatre, and is a national institution. It's also very much part of the city, and was busy being part of the city's bicentennial party.

There was a display on the Canadian singer k.d. lang, who has become very much an icon over the years while remaining distinctly herself.

Several display cases included some of her clothing. This design is the Nudie Suit.

And this is her Honky Tonk Angels' Medley jacket, dating to a 1988 performance.

Bicentennial Party

I continued my wanderings around the Byward Market during Nuit Blanche. This band caught my attention.

I took this panoramic shot from this corner.

And then I continued on my way.

There was more music to be found.

A look east. Note the Beavertails outlet. This is the Beavertails outlet, home of a fried pastry in the shape of a beaver's tail, and topped in various ways. A Canadian tradition.

The crowds were out and about, and I took several shots looking south in short order. The odd time in a crowd I feel a bit claustrophobic, but not on this occasion. I really needed this night. I've been having a rough go of it in the past few months with my depression, triggered by a situation at work, and being out here helped. 

I looked back at the main market building. I wondered what the little dog thought of all this.

I took two shots of this pub. I've never been by for a meal, but should sometime.

My path took me a short walk away. This is Arts Court, a former 19th century courthouse that is now home to multiple arts organizations. It was busy participating in the day's events, including one of the embassies putting on a sauna out front- an odd thing, I thought. The building is lovely when lit up at night.

Visiting Nuit Blanche

 There was a lot going on in the Byward Market during Nuit Blanche, with music, art installations, and restaurants doing a brisk business. It was crowded- I've only seen it like this at Canada Day- but enjoyable to circulate around.

Illuminated teeter-totters were a big hit with guests.

This drew my eye.

A series of prisms were set up nearby. Spin them around, and the colours within would brighten up and dance.

Ottawa School Of Art

 Nuit Blanche was a big part of the bicentennial party in the downtown core, taking place in the Byward Market. The dusk to dawn arts festival has been back with a preview last fall, after getting interrupted by Covid, and I particularly wanted to see this. I stopped in at one of the participating sites, the Ottawa School of Art. The school is a non-profit art school serving the community in a variety of ways, and this is one of two locations, the other being out in Orleans. The place was busy.

I headed upstairs, finding a cartooning workshop where guests could have a go at things.

Another workshop was busy, this one working with clay.

Moving along, I came into one studio where a small band was playing. I noticed this work on a sheet, looking vaguely human. It drew my eye.

And the music drew my ear.

Another studio, with multiple easels. Instructors were working with guests, who were painting their own interpretations of a cottage in a meadow scene projected onto the wall.

Back downstairs, there is a gallery space where the visitor can buy art made here in the school.

Back outside, and a look up at the building. The school has roots going back nearly 150 years now, and remains a vibrant part of the city.