ZimArt stone sculptures return to Rice Lake Aug. 4

Rice Lake 19 outdoor art exhibition to continue until Sept. 3 at gallery

BAILIEBORO — An outdoor exhibition featuring stone sculptures from Africa returns to Bailieboro starting next month.

Rice Lake 19 runs daily from Aug. 4 to Sept. 3 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

It’s ZimArt’s 19th annual Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibit, showcasing more than 500 pieces from more than 50 Zimbabwean artists.

Fran Fearnley opened ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery in 2000. It’s on her five-acre property overlooking Rice Lake, 15 minutes south of Peterborough.

The exhibition showcases various sizes of sculptures, displayed in thematic groupings throughout two acres. All work is for sale and prices start at $100.

ZimArt’s 2018 artist-in-residence Tutani Mgabazi will be on site during the exhibition to discuss his work, the work of his fellow artists and to demonstrate the art of stone carving using only hand tools.

Each year, an artist from Zimbabwe travels to Canada for the summer as the artistin-residence, leading sculpting workshops at the gallery and acting as a cultural ambassador.

Mgabazi comes from a family of artists and had work featured at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe while he was still in high school.

Opening ceremonies for Rice Lake 19 take place Aug. 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. and closing ceremonies are Sept. 2 between 2 to 5 p.m. During both ceremonies, Nhapitapi will perform traditional Zimbabwe music.

On weekends during the exhibition, handmade Zimbabwean crafts and other items will be for sale with proceeds benefiting ZimKids, a nonprofit organization helping vulnerable kids in Zimbabwe.

The exhibition is open to the public, with free admission.

NOTE: For more information about Rice Lake 19 or ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery, go to ZimArt’s website at www.zimart.ca