Art in Paradise

By Daniel Dessinger

August 8, 2008

I work at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), a non-profit organization, and I love it. This will be my third summer working there, but my first in the office, putting my degree and post graduate certificate to good work. I spent my first two summers as a student gardener, working on getting my thumb to the greenest state, all while getting the worst farmer’s tan.

For the past two summers, RBG has put on a summer art exhibition called Zim Sculpt, bringing in artists from Zimbabwe and their pieces into Hendrie Park Gardens. The artists were on site, chipping, carving and sculpting new pieces for visitors to purchase, and if you were lucky, you could try your hand at carving too.

Zim Sculpt was a huge success; however, this summer RBG wanted a change, and introduced a new art series and exhibition revolving around sound, sculpture and the Earth. Thus, Sound Art, Sculpt Art and Earth Art were born.

Sound Art saw Anne Karhu from Finland come in and record sounds in and around RBG gardens and properties that were later mixed in with pre-recorded sounds, giving the visitors a natural and surreal experience while walking through The Rock Garden.

Earth Art was the next exhibition to open to the public (July 18), and welcomed 10 world famous Earth artists from around the world to RBG. Working for approximately one month, these artists assessed the garden areas, meticulously gathered their materials and constructed one-of-a-kind pieces – some permanent fixtures – that are located in RBG garden areas, RBG Centre, as well as on RBG property.

The final of the three art series is Sculpt Art. Welcoming over 10 Canadian artists, Sculpt Art will take place in Hendrie Park Gardens, and will bring together art and nature. The sculptures will be set into the garden, and pieces from each of the artists will be available for purchase.

I am not writing this blog because I was asked to by my boss, but rather because I have seen the preparation for these exhibits, and I have even been part of the planning process. I feel like this is a part of me, especially Earth Art, since I created a photo blog of the pieces and artists in progress. I know many of you reading this are more than likely not from Ontario, but I would suggest this. If anyone is planning a trip or vacation, consider coming to Ontario and Royal Botanical Gardens to check out the art series. I can promise you will not be disappointed with these unique and one-of-a-kind art exhibitions.

If you would like to read up on the art exhibition, check out the Art in Paradise page on Royal Botanical Gardens’ official website.

Sound Art runs now until Labour Day; Earth Art Exhibition runs now until October 13, 2008; Sculpt Art runs from July 25 until October 5, 2008.

*Source: http://www.rbg.ca/pages/artinparadise.html
Pictured: Neville Gabie
Picture Source: Rachel Longo-Tosoian (that’s me!)