Voyage

Work created by Mary Ellen Farrow in 2017. 

There have been a number of new additions to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest this summer. As part of the celebration of Canada, Ontario, and Dysart 150, four artists, from around the world and across the country, were invited to Haliburton to take part in the 2017 Sculpture Symposium. Each sculptor was charged with creating a new piece for the Sculpture Forest out of a large block of limestone based on the theme “Carved on the Canadian Shield.”

The canoe is a fundamental part of the history of the Canadian Shield. It was created and used by the indigenous people, (and adopted by early European settlers) as an efficient means of transportation, exploration, trade and commerce. The canoe is still a part of our culture today for sport, recreation and a way to travel to the wild areas of the country. The sculpture is a voyage through time, space and across cultures.

It is a bit of an enigma, seeing a fully packed canoe in the forest, but that is part of the fun of the piece. The way it is situated you can imagine it on the bank of a river or travelling through the rapids. Mary Ellen wanted the sculpture to be interactive, for children to be able to climb into it and play. You can come see “Voyage” at the sculpture forest now, along with the three other new additions. Make sure to also check out the grand opening on July 25th.

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park on 297 College Drive. This unique collection of 36 sculptures by Canadian and International artists is always open to the public for your own discovery. Free guided tours occur on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August. You can also use the sculpture forest app (download PocketSights and search for Haliburton) or visit the website to learn more about the sculptures. www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca