Youkie Stagg < Back Originally Published On: January 1, 2016 Originally Published By: Haliburton Echo Dreaming Stones Written By: Youkie Stagg Work created by Kevin Lockau in 2001. When the first settlers in Ontario tried to develop farms and agriculture they were struck with the major obstacle of the Canadian Shield. To successfully grow their food they had to remove large amounts of rock from the ground so that the soil would be deep enough. Lockau used these boulders leftover from the first settlers for the piece “Dreaming Stones.” The piece is a 2.75 meter tall totem made of 6 granite boulders from Ontario. At the bottom of the totem is a sleeping wolf or coyote, which shows the preservation of nature. Going up the totem you can see leaves representing regeneration, the faces of the first pioneers, deep grooves of glacial erosion and plowing of the land, concentric circles representing the passing of time, and lastly the owl representing the modern day and the wisdom that comes with it. The piece reflects the struggles of the first settlers as well as the changing relationship between mankind and nature. The Sculpture Forest offers free guided tours each Tuesday from 10-11:30 am and a shorter “Curator Selection” tour on Wednesday from 12:10 – 12:50. Meet at the kiosk in the Fleming College parking lot. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tillia americana < Back American Basswood Ojibwe Name: wiigobimizh Scientific Name: Tillia americana Significance in Ojibwe Cultures: American basswood fibres are used for tying wild rice stalks before harvest. How to Identify the Leaves: "Basswood has large, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a short point. The twigs have a noticeable zigzag appearance. The fragrant yellow flowers and round grayish-brown fruit hang from the centre of a leaf-like bract. When released, the bract acts like a helicopter wing and carries the seeds away in a breeze. The bark is gray-brown with long narrow ridges." Sources: Translation: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/wiigobimizh-na Image: https://www.ontario.ca/page/basswood Significance in Ojibwe Cultures: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/collection/basswood-fiber How to Identify Tree: https://www.ontario.ca/page/basswood < Back Next >

Angus Sullivan < Back Originally Published On: August 1, 2017 Originally Published By: Haliburton Echo Homesteaders Written By: Angus Sullivan Work created by Jake Mol in 2004. As a local resident, it is easy to forget about the number of interesting places there are to explore in Haliburton County. When you enter Glebe Park, from the parking lot of the Haliburton School of Art + Design, you quickly realize that this is one of those places. On any day of the summer you will see people bustling in and out of the College with tools, art supplies and work in progress; there will be families gathered at the information kiosk looking at the maps of the park and Sculpture Forest. As you walk into the park you will see dog-walkers, joggers, and multi-generational groups exploring the Haliburton Highlands Museum’s 1870’s era farmstead and heading on the path toward the entrance of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. The first sculpture you will see is “The Homesteaders.” A whimsical portrayal of a family (mother, father, son, and dog) created out of old telephone poles and an eclectic mix of tools, hardware and farm equipment. The mother and father are “holding” paintings of the farmstead. You have to wonder what this family is doing there. For that, you have to look into the mind of the sculptor, Jake Mol. Jake Mol, a long-time member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, has his art in many collections around the world such as his charcoal portrait of Chief Joseph at the Crazy Horse Museum of South Dakota. For many years, Jake Mol was an instructor at the College and took his en plein air (outdoor painting) students to paint the historic farmstead. As the Sculpture Forest began to grow, Jake wanted to do something to connect it to the farmstead. This led to the creation of “The Homesteaders”. The family, representing the people who might have lived in the farmstead, are made out of materials they would have used to make a life for themselves in the tough Haliburton landscape. They proudly hold up portraits (painted by Jake) of their home. It makes one pause to think about what objects would be used to portray today’s residents of Haliburton. 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 open to the public, dawn to dusk, for your own discovery. Free guided tours occur on Tuesdays (10:00-11:00) and Wednesdays (12:10-12:50) in July and August. You can use the sculpture forest app (download PocketSights and search for Haliburton) or visit the website to learn more about the sculptures. www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca < Previous Article Next Article >

Mike Baker < Back Originally Published On: January 27, 2021 Originally Published By: Haliburton Echo Dysart provides dollars, inkind support to Haliburton Sculpture Forest Written By: Mike Baker When Barb Bolin joined the volunteer committee of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest more than two decades ago, she would never have imagined the site would eventually become one of Ontario’s top tourist destinations. Beginning in earnest as a small community initiative in 2000, the vision for the Haliburton Sculpture Forest was clear – to bring more attention to the arts and create an easily accessible and inviting way for people to experience nature in our community. Starting out with three sculptures, installed within the forest inside Glebe Park, the site now boasts 37 hand-crafted sculptures and six “one-of-a-kind” benches created by professional artists from across the world. “Our goal was to bring together art, nature and recreation,” Bolin told Dysart et al council back in December. The inspiration for the site lies across the Atlantic – Grizedale Forest, a large national park tucked deep within England’s Lake District. The site is home to more than 100 sculptures and attracts over 150,000 visitors per year. Over the past 20 years, the committee charged with the operation of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest has raised and invested north of $350,000 in an attempt to establish a similar phenomenon on this side of the pond. Those years of hard work appeared to pay off last year, as more people than ever before travelled up to Haliburton to check the forest out. “This past summer and fall, people were motivated to find unique outdoor and cultural activities they could experience safely. That resulted in an explosion of social media attention, with people posting their experiences from the Haliburton Sculpture Forest,” Bolin said. “This resulted in, over a four month period, double the number of visitors, from 9,000 in 2019 to 18,000 this past summer.” She added, “We estimate, for the whole year, we have had around 30,000 visitors.” While the site garnered the attention of people on social media, it was also highlighted on several websites and blogs. The forest ranked fourth out of 20 sculpture gardens profiled by ToDoCanada.ca, and was the only site in Haliburton County included in the recently published book Unforgettable Ontario: 100 Destinations , written by Canadian author Noel Hudson. The forest was also ranked, by TripAdviser, as the second best attraction in Haliburton, behind only the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod noted the forest was “a perfect mix of nature and heritage” and that it “has an abundance of beauty and meaning” while visiting Haliburton this past summer. “One of the unique attractions of the sculpture forest is that it captures the interest of kids and adults alike, and has something for people from all walks of life and cultures,” Bolin said. “If you go for a walk in the summer, you can hear the forest being enjoyed in multiple languages. Because access is free, and pathways are fairly smooth and wide, it’s accessible both financially and physically.” The increased popularity, however, is starting to take a toll. Some areas of the forest are requiring regular maintenance, due to the number of people walking the trails, and it’s becoming difficult for the volunteer group to keep up. “ We have kept operational costs as low as possible, but we have realized this year the Haliburton Sculpture Forest has reached a tipping point. The dramatic increase in the number of visitors is causing wear and tear on pathways, and is impacting soil around the sculptures,” Bolin said. “The amount of litter has increased, and the number of guide maps needed has doubled.” She continued, “Moving forward, we need to make greater investment to maintain the site to ensure a good visitor experience.” Bolin said a new group, entitled Friends of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, was being set up to promote the need for more community engagement and assistance in maintaining the park. Long-time committee members are also working alongside several other Glebe Park partners to establish what Bolin described as an endowment fund, which could over time turn into an annual source of funds to help offset the cost of running the forest. Those costs will increase to $32,000 in 2021, Bolin expects. She asked Dysart et al council if they would consider making an annual contribution of $12,500 to the sculpture forest operation. “Approximately 90 per cent of our funding is spent locally, and these funds go directly back into the local community,” Bolin said. “Over the past few years, Dysart has made significant investments into the downtown skate park, the arena, Head Lake Park, boat launches… We’re asking for a small annual investment from the municipality to maintain the forest as a cultural and tourism attraction.” Ward 4 Coun. John Smith wondered if the township could provide some form of in-kind work on an ongoing basis to lower the dollar amount requested. He suggested municipal staff could help with landscaping and general maintenance, something Jim Blake, another member of the sculpture forest committee, indicated would be helpful. Smith went on to suggest that the local sculpture forest committee should consider charging visitors both an entry fee and a parking fee, bringing up statistics from Grizedale Forest in England to drive home his point. “At Grizedale, they charge 8 pounds per day for people to park – that works out to around $15. They also sell annual memberships for around $75. There are some creative approaches that others use to draw more pocket change,” Smith stated. Bolin said the Haliburton Sculpture Forest has always been free to those interested in walking its trails, and that she would hate to ever see that change. At a budget meeting earlier this month, council decided to approve $5,000 in in-kind work for the sculpture forest, to be carried out by township staff, while also writing a cheque for $7,500 to cover other costs. There was a consensus that this would be a one-time funding for now, and that council would converse with the forest committee ahead of next year’s budget to see how they’re doing financially. Read the Original Article Here: https://haliburtonecho.ca/dysart-provides-dollars-inkind-support-to-haliburton-sculpture-forest/ < Previous Article Next Article >

Tizirai started sculpting in 1992 and was unwavering in his pursuit for excellency in his work until the day he died. Even in his last days when he was no longer feeling healthy, Tizirai still found strength to sculpt a few pieces as a way of taking his mind off his illness. During his lifetime, Tizirai’s work had an unmistakable trademark of contrasted handshakes. The Handshake sculptures were his expression of his need to see inter-racial unity, he shared Martin Luther’s dream of seeing a world were people are not judged by the colour of their skins but by the content of their character. Taurai Tigere-Tandi the Chairman of Chitungwiza Arts Centre described Tizirai Gumbere as a hardworking Artist who was focused on his work. *Adapted from Gumbere's obituary published on avacarts.com < All Artists Tizirai Gumbere ABOUT SCULPTOR Artist Bio Tizirai started sculpting in 1992 and was unwavering in his pursuit for excellency in his work until the day he died. Even in his last days when he was no longer feeling healthy, Tizirai still found strength to sculpt a few pieces as a way of taking his mind off his illness. During his lifetime, Tizirai’s work had an unmistakable trademark of contrasted handshakes. The Handshake sculptures were his expression of his need to see inter-racial unity, he shared Martin Luther’s dream of seeing a world were people are not judged by the colour of their skins but by the content of their character. Taurai Tigere-Tandi the Chairman of Chitungwiza Arts Centre described Tizirai Gumbere as a hardworking Artist who was focused on his work. *Adapted from Gumbere's obituary published on avacarts.com Tizirai Gumbere's Obituary Installed Sculptures Together We Achieve the Extraordinary Previous Sculpture Next Sculpture

Noelle Dupret Smith < Back Originally Published On: July 31, 2018 Originally Published By: Haliburton Sculpture Forest Lament of the Mythical Sculptures Written By: Noelle Dupret Smith I am Noelle Dupret Smith, this summer’s Sculpture Forest outreach coordinator. Over the next six weeks, I will be introducing and comparing sculptures of the Downtown Sculpture Project and the Sculpture Forest. This week, I am featuring the interesting duo of Julie Campagna’s Weeping Gargoyle, located near the Bank of Montreal on Highland Street, and George Pratt’s Pan, in the Sculpture Forest. Both are mythical figures, both with interesting and sad stories. The Weeping Gargoyle instantly brought to mind the eerie and alarming gargoyle scene in Ghostbusters. However, after doing some research, I learned that gargoyles are actually forces for good; placed on public buildings to ward off evil spirits—obviously misrepresented in Ghostbusters. Reason enough to weep! In the artist’s mind, the gargoyle is weeping for the state of the earth. Pan, god of the forest in ancient Greece, has a different lament. Pan, who appears as a goat/man, was enamoured with Syrinx, a wood nymph. She wasn’t interested! To avoid Pan, Syrinx had the water nymphs disguise her as a water reed. Pan searched for Syrinx, cutting down reeds in the hopes of finding her. Unsuccessful, he fashioned an instrument out of the reeds and tried to attract her with beautiful music. No luck. He is still alone playing his pipes; pining for Syrinx. Please wander down main street of Haliburton and see the Downtown Sculpture exhibition of 6 sculptures and visit Haliburton Sculpture Forest. There are free tours of the Sculpture Forest, Tuesdays 10:00–11:30am and Wednesdays 12:10–12:50pm. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mother Earth is artist Scott McKay's vision of the classical mother figure married to the symbol of life in the tree form. Prior to finding her permanent home in the Sculpture Forest, Mother Earth could be found at the corner of York and Highland in the village of Haliburton as part of the 2018 Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition (as pictured above). Mother Earth Scott McKay Name of Sculpture: Mother Earth Materials: Corten Steel Installation Date: Fall 2018 Number on Map: 33 Go to Gallery Artist Statement: Mother Earth is my vision of the classical mother figure married to the symbol of life in the tree form. She is about 7 feet tall without the pedestal. -- total height [at] about 102”. Mother Earth was created from 3/16” Corten steel which was developed for longevity in an outdoor environment. This piece was created in March 2018. < Back to Sculptures

Deep in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest lays Sleep of the Huntress by Doug Stephens. Sleep of the Huntress Doug Stephens Materials: Belmont Rose Granite Description: Woman sleeping in stone Location: Haliburton Sculpture Forest; South end of Waterfront Trail Installation Date: August, 2004 Number on Map: 14 Go to Gallery Artist’s Vision for the Sculpture: Walking through the forest is, for me, a time of contemplation: of peace and reflection. I see the viewer coming upon a rock, a ruddy rock, fitting for this place but not of this place. It is rough hewn and gnarled. As they approach it becomes evident that they are not alone; that they have happened upon an elegant sleeping woman, lost in the deep world of dreams. She exists in a spiritual realm: out of time and immaterial. All is quiet except for the sounds of the woods. The viewer is held for a moment in silence: hesitant and reflective in the presence of this woman of nature, calmly nestled on her craggy bed. < Back to Sculptures

Terminus by Marianne Reim was installed in 2002 and stands at a height of two metres. Terminus Marianne Reim Name of Sculpture: Terminus Materials: ¼ inch rolled steel Height: 2 metres Description: Stylized figure, painted black Installation Date: January 2002 Number on Map: 11 Go to Gallery Artist Statement: The specific forms of my work float on the surface of a well of memory. I create discreet objects, objects in series and installation. My preferred material is steel. In my constructions the material wears its identity through rough cut edges, visible welds and an undisguised slabness. I may combine them with wire, stone, text and miscellaneous findings. By cutting, burning and welding, experience, memory and emotion are melded into steel. < Back to Sculptures

Meet the partners and sponsors supporting this year's Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition. Thank you! DHSE Partners and Sponsors The Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition is a collaborative initiative of the Haliburton Village BIA (Business Improvement Area) and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest with support from the Haliburton County Development Corporation. Putting on the Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition requires the support of many other individuals and organizations. In particular, we would like to recognize the participation of the following: 2025 Site Sponsors Dysart et al - Cultural Resources Committee Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre Rexall Pharmacy - Haliburton Wind in the Willows Spa & Boutique Haliburton Framing and Photo Glecoff's Family Store Foodland - Haliburton CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Emmerson Lumber Canoe FM 100.9 Community Radio Station Corner Gallery Parker Pad and Printing Country Pickin's Lakeview Motel The Space Redmans Records Curry Chevrolet The Rotary Club of Haliburton Xavier Massé Lorry and Ted Brandon 2025 Site Hosts Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre Municipality of Dysart et al Michael Easton Enterprises Glecoff’s Family Store Foodland – Haliburton Bank of Montreal Corner Gallery

Featured Videos Play Video All Videos Video Library A collection of all the videos made about and inspired by the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. About the Sculptures Discover from curators and artists the stories behind some of the sculptures in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. About the Sculptures Play Video Play Video 13:55 Bawaajigan - To Dream | Jared Tait speaks about the work Bawaajigan means "To Dream". Jared Tait will be in residence in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest on the Haliburton School of Art + Design campus to work with community members to create 3-dimensional woodland style paintings which will be installed in the Sculpture Forest on Saturday, August 17th, 2024. The community is invited to join Jared to assist with the painting each week day Monday, August 12th to Friday, August 16th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Attendance is free. Jared Tait is a member of the Sachigo Lake First Nation an Oji-Cree First Nation in Treaty 9, territory in the far north of Ontario near the Manitoba border. Jared was raised in Thunder Bay. He currently resides with his family in the countryside near Bancroft, Ontario. In 2018, Jared began painting under the mentorship of his father, Tim Tait a self-taught artist. Jared recalls his childhood being surrounded by his father's paintings and being told the stories within them. Since his exposure to art at a young age, Jared has created a strong appreciation and connection to art. Through his understanding of the Woodland style and the methods of telling a story through his work, Jared captures the deep relations to the land and its creatures. He builds on these motivations to preserve the sacred stories, symbolism and teachings. Jared creates imagery inspired by his personal and spiritual experiences and hopes to pass his teachings on to future generations. People can see Jared’s work hanging near the registration desk of the Haliburton School of Art and Design. His work will be display at the Corner Gallery on the week of August 12 to 17th. An image of his mural Biingiden can be seen on one of the panels in the kiosks at the entrances to the Sculpture Forest and Glebe Park. Play Video Play Video 03:25 Bawaajigan - To Dream by Jared Tait Bawaajigan means "To Dream". Jared Tait will be in residence in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest on the Haliburton School of Art + Design campus to work with community members to create 3-dimensional woodland style paintings which will be installed in the Sculpture Forest on Saturday, August 17th, 2024. The community is invited to join Jared to assist with the painting each week day Monday, August 12th to Friday, August 16th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Attendance is free. Jared Tait is a member of the Sachigo Lake First Nation an Oji-Cree First Nation in Treaty 9, territory in the far north of Ontario near the Manitoba border. Jared was raised in Thunder Bay. He currently resides with his family in the countryside near Bancroft, Ontario. In 2018, Jared began painting under the mentorship of his father, Tim Tait a self-taught artist. Jared recalls his childhood being surrounded by his father's paintings and being told the stories within them. Since his exposure to art at a young age, Jared has created a strong appreciation and connection to art. Through his understanding of the Woodland style and the methods of telling a story through his work, Jared captures the deep relations to the land and its creatures. He builds on these motivations to preserve the sacred stories, symbolism and teachings. Jared creates imagery inspired by his personal and spiritual experiences and hopes to pass his teachings on to future generations. People can see Jared’s work hanging near the registration desk of the Haliburton School of Art and Design. His work will be display at the Corner Gallery on the week of August 12 to 17th. An image of his mural Biingiden can be seen on one of the panels in the kiosks at the entrances to the Sculpture Forest and Glebe Park. Play Video Play Video 01:02 A Closer Look: Take Flight A closer look at “Take Flight” by Jennifer Anne Kelly. Made of kiln-fired glass and laser-cut steel, this piece can be found beside The Wind and the Willows Spa until Oct. 28 Music: bensound.com Play Video Play Video 01:12 A Closer Look: Black Reflection A closer look at “Black Reflection” by Robert Wehkamp. Made of carved and painted hardwood, this contemporary piece can be found beside Capturing Eden until Oct. 28 Music: bensound.com 0 Comments Play Video Play Video 01:12 A Closer Look: Parallel Composition A closer look at “Parallel Composition” by Eric Tardif. Made of painted aluminum this contemporary piece can be found outside Glecoff's Family Store until Oct. 28 Music: bensound.com Play Video Play Video 01:07 A Closer Look: Athena A closer look at “Athena” by Brett Davis. Made of bronze. As part of his Classical Series, this piece reflects on environmentalism and our need to take care of the planet. Athena can be found at the intersection of Highland and Maple Street until Oct. 28 Music: bensound.com 0 Comments Play Video Play Video 00:59 Unveiling of "Together We Explore the Wild" A brief glimpse of the unveiling of the sculpture "Together We Explore the Wild" by George Pratt. Donated by the Hagerman family in memory of Shawn Hagerman. Play Video Play Video 02:52 GELERT - Part 1 The Donor Medecines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinabe from Wiikwimkonng unceded territory on Manitoulin Island. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. Follow along with us to learn about the plants of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest and their medicinal uses. Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Fo... Play Video Play Video 09:38 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: Joe's Message The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest Series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 08:58 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: White Ash The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 03:51 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: Hemlock The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 05:03 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest: Blue Cohosh The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 08:25 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: Striped Maple The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 01:07 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: Pine The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is led by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 02:54 Medicines of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest Series: Basswood The Medicines of the Sculpture Forest series is lead by Joseph Pitawanakwat who is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. Joseph Pitawanakwat is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the founder & director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. He focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological, and medicinal significance through experience. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest had the privilege of having Joseph come and lead us on a journey of knowledge. In this series, Joseph discusses how native trees and plants within the Sculpture Forest were traditionally used. Check out his website here: http://creatorsgarden.blogspot.com/ The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located in Glebe Park within the Village of Haliburton, Ontario, Canada Address: 297 College Dr. Website: www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Visitor Stories One of the best parts of the Sculpture Forest is all of the stories that are connected to the sculptures. In the summer and fall of 2020, we posted short video clips and written stories sent in from some of our visitors sharing their stories about the Sculpture Forest! And we loved to hear from you! Visitor Stories Play Video Play Video 01:05 Zhenya's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Meet Zhenya! Starting in 2018, Zhenya has performed over the course of 2 summers at the Sculpture Forest with the dance collective, "Throwdown Collective". Now he is here as a visitor! Here's Zhenya's story... what's your story? #HSFwhatsyourstory Tell us your stories! You can share them by emailing Noelle at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca or by tagging us and using the hashtag #HSFwhatsyourstory on Facebook and Instagram. Play Video Play Video 00:59 Noelle's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Ever wondered what a walk through the Sculpture Forest during the pouring rain looks like? Our outreach coordinator, Noelle, is here to show you! Here's Noelle's story, what's your story? #HSFwhatsyourstory Don't forget to share your stories with us! You can do so by tagging us and using the hashtag #HSFwhatsyourstory on Facebook and Instagram, you submit them by email to noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 01:13 Myra's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Join Myra as she shares her story! What's your story? We invite you to share your story with us on social media by tagging us and using the hashtag, #HSFwhatsyourstory for the chance to win a personal tour led by our talented curator, Jim Blake! For more information please contact Noelle at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca . Play Video Play Video 01:03 Angus's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Join Angus, a past staff member of the Sculpture Forest, as he shares his story. What's your story? We invite you to share your story with us on social media by tagging us and using the hashtag, #HSFwhatsyourstory for the chance to win a personal tour led by our talented curator, Jim Blake! For more information please contact Noelle at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca . Play Video Play Video 01:45 Blue's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Blue is an expert at all things Sculpture Forest related. Join him as he shares his story! What's your story? You can share your story with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging us and using the hashtag #HSFwhatsyourstory, or by email at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca Play Video Play Video 00:39 Nick's Story //#HSFwhatsyourstory As part of our newest video project we are asking visitors to share their stories about the Haliburton Sculpture Forest using the hashtag: #HSFwhatsyourstory Here is Nick's story! What's your story? We invite you to share your story with us on social media by tagging us and using the hashtag, #HSFwhatsyourstory for the chance to win a personal tour led by our talented curator, Jim Blake! For more information please contact Noelle at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca . Play Video Play Video 01:42 Deb's Story // #HSFwhatsyourstory Watch as Deb not only shares her story but also unveils a special surprise for the Sculpture Forest! Here's Deb's story... What's your story? #HSFwhatsyourstory We still want to hear your stories! You can share them by emailing Noelle at noelle@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca or by tagging us and using the hashtag #HSFwhatsyourstory on Facebook and Instagram. Play Video Play Video 00:54 Barb Bolin's Story // #HSFWhatsYourStory What a better way to kick off winter than with our #HSFWhatsYourStory series ❄️ Featured today is Barb Bolin, Chair of the Sculpture Forest Board of Directors. We want to know, what's your story? Share & tag us on social! Instagram: @sculptureforest Facebook: @HaliburtonSculptureForest Events Over the past decade we have hosted numerous events at the Sculpture Forest. Dive into our history to discover the different artists and performers who have been inspired by our grounds. Events Play Video Play Video 03:04 Success Story - Haliburton Sculpture Forest "When a small group of inspired people get together, just about anything can happen." - Jim Blake, Curator, Haliburton Sculpture Forest Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Haliburton Sculpture Forest experienced a dramatic increase in the number of visitors - from 10,000 in 2019 to 40,000 in 2021. In order to maintain the environmental integrity of the forest and improve the visitor experience, the non-profit organization greatly enhanced the landscaping and signage with support from the Regional Tourism Relief Fund. Read more about this project and view other success stories at https://ohto.ca/rtrf-video-series . Haliburton Sculpture Forest: https://www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca/ Video Production by Ben Hemmings Media: https://www.benhemmingsmedia.com/ FedDev Ontario: https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of Ontario’s Highlands delivery of support for local tourism businesses and organizations through the Tourism Relief Fund. #ComeWander #GoC #TourismReliefFund Play Video Play Video 03:33 Twilight in the Sculpture Forest by James Morehead "Twilight in the Sculpture Forest" - a poetry film written + narrated by James Morehead (Poet Laureate - Dublin, CA), and filmed + edited by Brad Brown. Filmed on location at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. Twilight in The Sculpture Forest copyright 2022 James Morehead The guardians have always stood at the trailhead, rusting in the sun. They are totems of a kind: father, mother, and their child, spines assembled from sickle and shovel, discarded metal things for arms, queer unblinking eyes and smiles. I do not linger for their blessing when passing through the trees. Gelert greets me: Irish protector, majestic, cast in bronze, nose ever tilting upward to detect the scent of hunting wolves on basswood, balsam fir, and pine. I caress his cool back, then move on. The forest pulls me deeper in where Pan is playing on his flute, each note suspended, held and silent, embedded in Canadian shield. Green-gray shadows fill my wake; canopy diffuses all sunlight. I pass a hiker in limestone: they wear a badge of maple leaf, ever autumn, reddish brown. One foot forward, one set back, a smile, a wink, or so I think, for their face is featureless— a simple orb of clean, smooth stone. Curious, a chain mail book, forged steel covers bolted down and each page sounds a rattle and crash. But, despite how long I gaze, its mysteries—hidden still, concealed by fire. I almost miss her as I pass, carved from Belmont Rose. The sleeping huntress, feathered hair and naked skin cut from a block, then set upon the forest floor. Up ahead a beaver sits, drawn from cement, with iron teeth, to gaze upon a single lamp post: steel, graffitied, out of place. Turn the corner a granite gneiss dome, low arched door and bench inside; I rest awhile where echoes dwell. “Silence is the language of God,” Rumi’s words inscribed, “all else is poor translation.” I’ve lingered long, twilight has come, the sculptures now—no longer stone. Welded wire forms a man: his arms reach up to welcome night, unsettling, just mesh for skin. They came before (now all sleep) Each paralyzed (secrets to keep) So I lie (but for a while) At midnight’s turn I try to rise, limbs locked in place, bereft, alone, until I hear footsteps are near, what are these passersby to think? I cannot call tongue turned to stone. Play Video Play Video 09:04 Re-Connection RX3 From September 13-18, 2021 visitors had the chance to see dance artists Brian Solomon, Noriko Yamamoto, Phylicia Browne-Charles, Madeline Friel and Throwdown Collective (Mairéad Filgate, Brodie Stevenson and Irvin Chow) as they spent a week in solo creative dance residency in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. These selected artists were invited to take an existing work or idea—perhaps halted by the pandemic—and to re-engage, re-configure, and adapt it to the outdoor environment, exploring it through a new lens. Throughout this week, film footage was taken of the performers. The footage has been edited into a creative montage and was screened at a culminating live event in Haliburton in Fall 2022. The participating artists returned to Haliburton for the screening, to perform their work before a live audience and to participate in an artists talkback about their experience with re-emergence, re-engagement and re-connection! Play Video Play Video 03:23 Sculpture Forest Re-Imagined-1 Watch as Throwdown Collective, and Toronto dance troupe performs at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest! This performance was created in partnership between Dance Happens Here Haliburton and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. This video was created by Sticks and Stones Productions. Come explore the magic of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest: https://www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca/ Throwdown Collective: http://www.throwdownco.ca/ Sticks and Stones Productions: https://www.haliburtoncdc.ca/about-hcdc/incubator/businesses-in-incubator/sticks-stones-productions.html Play Video Play Video 03:21 Sculpture Forest Re-Imagined-The Background Story Watch as Throwdown Collective, and Toronto dance troupe talks about the making of their 2018 performance at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest! This performance was created in partnership between Dance Happens Here Haliburton and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. This video was created by Sticks and Stones Productions. Come explore the magic of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest: https://www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca/ Throwdown Collective: http://www.throwdownco.ca/ Sticks and Stones Productions: https://www.haliburtoncdc.ca/about-hcdc/incubator/businesses-in-incubator/sticks-stones-productions.html Play Video Play Video 03:19 Sculpture Forest: Re-Imagined Part 2 Watch as Throwdown Collective, and Toronto dance troupe performs at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest! This performance was created in partnership between Dance Happens Here Haliburton and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. This video was created by Sticks and Stones Productions. Come explore the magic of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest: https://www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca/ Throwdown Collective: http://www.throwdownco.ca/ Sticks and Stones Productions: https://www.haliburtoncdc.ca/about-hcdc/incubator/businesses-in-incubator/sticks-stones-productions.html About Haliburton Highlands Learn more about Haliburton Highlands and the surrounding area of the Sculpture Forest. About Haliburton Highlands Play Video Play Video Culturally Rich By Nature The Municipality of Dysart et al, located in the heart of the beautiful Haliburton Highlands. A warm and friendly community, where families live, play and work together. This culturally rich community is home to a wide variety of artists, including musicians, graphic artists and performing artists. Our dynamic Arts College, Fleming College, features instructors who are well known and respected for their craft and inspire many emerging artists. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and cycling are favourite summer activities, while hockey, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding are popular in the winter. Nature is always just outside your front door in Dysart et al. Come step outside and discover how we are culturally rich by nature. Play Video Play Video Glebe Park - Village of Haliburton Glebe Park is a terrific community resource in Haliburton Village. In a visit to Glebe Park you can be active on trails for skiing, mountain biking, walking and snowshoeing; You can tour through the Sculpture Forest, visit the Haliburton Highlands Museum, see blacksmithing demonstrations, take your dog for a walk, enjoy a picnic. You can see an Art College in action, take courses and enjoy performances. Thousands of people come to Glebe Park each year from near and far to be active and get involved. This video is our invitation for everyone to enjoy Glebe Park.

Sun Bench Scott McKay Name of Sculpture: Sun Bench Materials: Corten Steel Installation Date: 2018 Number on Map: D Go to Gallery Wendy Wilkins, the patron who purchased Mother Earth and commissioned the Sun Bench to accompany it, thought it would be lovely to add a couple more Scott McKay one-of-a-kind benches to create Mother Earth’s living room where a whole family or group of friends could gather. So, she worked with the Sculpture Forest to commission two new nature inspired benches to complete the set and create Mother Earth's living room. In 2018 the Haliburton Sculpture Forest teamed up with the Haliburton Village BIA (business Improvement Area) to create the Downtown Haliburton Sculpture Exhibition. This featured the display of six sculptures on the main street from Ontario artists from June to October. McKay’s Mother Earth was one of them. Mother Earth is McKay’s vision of the classical mother figure who is one with the tree of life. < Back to Sculptures