One-Tank Trip /Southern Ontario
Waterloo is a region of contrasts
Home to RIM, Mennonites, cool kids’ museum
WATERLOO, Ont.—If ever an area was a study in contrasts, it has to be the region of Waterloo in southwestern Ontario. Not only is Waterloo the birthplace of Research in Motion, the high-tech maker of the Black- Berry, it’s also home to a large community of Old World Mennonites who shun contemporary technology for a traditional, slower way of life.
Given the region’s ability to embrace both the old and the modern, it’s not surprising to discover that the people here have a knack for mixing things up, for presenting ideas in new and exciting ways. Take for example the exhibit of works by pop art icon Andy Warhol in— of all places—a children’s museum.
“Factory 2009,” on display in the Waterloo Children’s Museum, features more than 60 original Warhols, including some of his most famous creations. Images of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Mick Jagger—and of course, Campbell soup cans— share space with lesser known, but more kid-focused pieces selected from Warhol’s Toy Series, and the Myth Series of comic book and movie heroes.
Also showcased are works from contemporary artists who were directly inspired by Warhol, like Heidi Popovic’s “Marilyn Contemporary Portfolio of 10” showing the facial skeleton hiding beneath the glamorous mask. On loan from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the Velvet Years collection, photographs taken by Stephen Shore depicting the emerging artistic scene at Warhol’s studio, the Factory, between 1965 and 1967.
It’s an impressive collection, bound to please both the Warhol enthusiast and anyone curious to learn more about this legend of pop art. The bright colors and striking images make a stroll through the displays a wonderful way for children to learn more about art, and, as it turns out, history.
“Who’s she?” my 5-year-old daughter asks, pointing to a portrait of Monroe. “And what’s that?” she asks a couple of moments later as she meets her first ever Cabbage Patch Doll, all the rage back in the 1980s.
But kids need no explanation on how to enjoy themselves here. From the moment they walk through their own pint-sized door at the museum, they are treated to a wonderland of interactive displays. Plasma balls, infrared images, giant building blocks, shadow theater and a marine life display are just a few of the many dynamic exhibits designed to be touched, climbed and explored by inquisitive young hands.
Equally entertaining is the Silk Screen Studio, where kids can try their hand at the print-making process that immortalized the artist, play with computer art and create other crafts. Who knows? Maybe one of these busy kids will grow up to attain their own 15 minutes of fame, creating the art that defines their own generation.
A shopper’s dream
A 15-minute drive from the museum takes you to St. Jacobs Village, a perfect place to enjoy a meal and experience rural country charm. As you wander down the picturesque streets, don’t be surprised if the sound of traffic is punctuated by the clip-clop sound of hooves as horse-drawn buggies share the road with cars.
These old-fashioned vehicles belong to Old World Mennonites, about 4,000 of whom make St. Jacobs their home. “Telling the Mennonite Story” is an exhibit at the Visitors Centre that tells you more about the history, faith and the way of life of these private, industrious people. You can also observe Mennonites on market days when some Old World farmers sell produce and handicrafts from the back of their buggies at the popular St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market.
Here, more than 500 vendors offer a dizzying array of products, everything from fruits and vegetables, meat and baked goods to antiques, furniture, fashion and housewares products. Open year-round on Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as Sundays in the summer, the vibrant atmosphere makes it more of an event than a shopping trip for locals and tourists alike.
If you don’t make it here on a market day, St. Jacobs is still a great place to do some shopping. As you wander King Street in the village, you’ll discover quilt galleries, artist’s studios, fashion boutiques, and even a broom maker among the 100-plus retailers.
John Prentice, owner of A Touch of Scotland, says the village has been good to him. He’s been here for 34 years selling Scottish products like tartans, kilts and clan plaques along with candy, meat pies and potato scones. Loyal customers come specifically for these niche products and the friendly service.
Food is another reason people return again and again. Your mouth waters as soon as you open the door of the Stone Crock Bakery, and the desserts taste as good as they smell. Take home one of the famous fruit pies for a treat. For a meal, try the Stone Crock Restaurant next door, known for its old-fashioned, home-style country cooking—comfort food at its best.
Once refreshed, you can explore the many shops and exhibits at The Mill, a local heritage landmark. Here you’ll find The Maple Syrup Museum, St. Jacobs Quilt Gallery, Modern Train Story, the History of Home Hardware and the Story of Electricity exhibit.
You’re sure to learn something new like the St. Jacobs’ connection to the commercial use of electricity. This quintessential small country town was apparently quite modern in its time. Perhaps one day down the road, there’ll be an exhibit here about the region’s link to the BlackBerry.
If you go
• Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum, 10 King St. West, Kitchener; www.thechildrensmuseum.ca , (519) 749-9387. Andy Warhol’s Factory Exhibit is on display until April 19. • Telling the Mennonite Story at the Visitor Centre, 1406 King St. North, St. Jacobs; www.stjacobs.com , (519) 664-3518. • ForinformationonSt. Jacobs: www.stjacobs.com .
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