Art in the Garden

Wild ferns and cedar boughs trace the pathway. The air is fresh, the sun desperately fighting it’s way through the canopy of trees, and soon the chatter takes over as we enter the private garden. This private acreage hosts over 90 island artists and creators including stone sculptures, pottery, paintings, soap, fibre art, glass work, blacksmith art, and more, all set to live music. Two thousand people will walk through over the two days and the total funds raised for charity shall bring the total to $30K.

“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people” – Leo Burnett

The variety and uniqueness of artwork and creations makes this an annual event for many. And the beautiful, relaxing atmosphere certainly is as significant a draw as the art.

“Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” – Charles Mingus

Live music is something everyone always enjoys.

Food and treats may be purchased while walking through the loops of displays.

It’s a converted horse trailer.

I love the quaintness such as these hand drawn signs showing us the way. The buntings must number in the thousands. They line both sides of the forest trails leading visitors to the many display areas, gardens, food and refreshment stands, and show the way in and out. Obviously there are a lot of volunteer hours put into this event, and others like it.

I’ve always had an admiration for people who create. Some artists are also incredibly innovative and attempt to work with their medium in different and unique ways.

Sitting and relaxing around the pond was pretty much a ‘full house’. On the day we went, the resident lab was out fishing in the pond (sorry no photos, even though he did make it in the last photo — it’s hard to find him and impossible to know he’s fishing! Apparently it’s something he does with great frequency.

The photos were only taken with my little point and shoot camera. Having to walk a few kilometres to get to the garden and then knowing how long we might be wandering the property, I didn’t care to haul my heavy camera. I hope they give you an idea of some of what I found interesting. Other than the ceramic garden ‘sticks’ and baskets of hand spun yarn at the beginning, I chose not to photograph the artists’ work out of respect. Instead I focused on the people and a few items of interest.

Days like these, free of all social media, taking in such an array of creativity, the interest and conversation of the people, all while being immersed in a natural setting, is one of the best kinds of days. Don’t you think?

Thank you for shadowing me on our afternoon spent at the Nanoose Bay Art in the Garden.

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” – Albert Einstein