Day Eight! #30x30DirectWatercolor: Caserne de Pompiers

One of my favorite sketching spots in Montreal is the Caserne Centrale de Pompiers – the old Firefighters Barracks. A quaint little turn-of-the-century structure, featuring three tiny garage doors meant for horse and carriage fire engines.

The old barracks has been converted to a civic history museum, but sadly, it is NOT the place to see old fire engines. I went there one time, at least ten years ago. It’s the kind of pioneer museum that features artifacts of daily life; so plenty of old sewing machines and shoes, plus some of the old English statues that have no where else to go :)

Don’t be confused with the much more interesting Pointe-à-Callière Museum, which is at the opposite end of Place d’Youville. That one is the the Archeology museum, which puts on touring shows (this year was Vikings and Ancient Egypt), and a permanent interactive ‘excavation’ in the basement, showing the fortifications which eventually became the city of Montreal.

The square itself, (Place d’Youville square, as opposed to the shady lane with the same name), has been recently renovated; adding plenty of shade and seating, and some shipping container sheds, which the city uses for cultural events. They’re in most of our parks now, and contain everything from miniature public gyms to tiny art galleries. This is one of the ways emerging artists can get exhibitions in Montreal! As long as you’re under 30 and still ‘struggling’ – not over 50 and as unfortunately ‘undiscovered’! hah!

I have to admit I didn’t go look at any of this :) I’m just here for the sketching! :)