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A little exercise, fresh air … and culture – Metro US

A little exercise, fresh air … and culture

For the second year, Winterlude revellers can get an infusion of culture while enjoying a spin on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Library and Archives Canada launched its second edition of Portraits on the Ice, which features 10 portrait reproductions from the Portrait Gallery of Canada, under the Bank Street Bridge on the canal Thursday.

From an action portrait of Olympic speed skater Gaétan Boucher, to self-portraits of renowned Canadian artists Yousuf Karsh and Emily Carr, the exhibit allows Ottawa residents to get a sneak peek of the portrait gallery’s collection, said Myriam Farah, project officer for Portraits on the Ice.

“We’re hoping that people from Ottawa and tourists to the city can see it,” said Farah. “It’s a way of showing our collection.”

“We’re thrilled to offer this brand new selection of portraits,” said director general of the Portrait Gallery of Canada Lilly Koltun.

Modelled after a successful project launched by the National Gallery in London, Portraits on the Ice is designed to offer Canadians an unexpected encounter with works of art from their national portrait collection.

While some people “may be reluctant to attend galleries, this method of showing art is very accessible,” said Farah.

While the images under the bridge are high-resolution images displayed in high-quality frames, people can check out the originals in Vault 34 at the Gatineau Preservation Centre, which is offering free guided tours of the national portrait collection Sundays from Feb. 15 to March 22.

Portraits on the Ice runs through February.