Annual Christmas tree arrives outside museum
The 12-metre white spruce is the largest to stand in front of the Gardiner Museum
Five workers made preparations to lift a large coniferous tree by crane to its new home outside Toronto’s Gardiner Museum Wednesday, ducking in and out of its many limbs to clip away brush and the ties used to transport it there.
The 12-metre white spruce tree is said to be the museum’s largest yet. Christmas trees near its entryway have turned into an annual tradition — this instalment marks the third year.
“It’s getting bigger every year,” said Rachel Weiner, senior marketing manager at the museum, adding that the display is the result of a partnership between Forests Ontario and Ontario Wood. “They have graciously donated the tree to us as a gift to the people of Toronto.”
The tree is a testament to the importance of the forestry industry in the province, said Jessica Kaknevicius, director of forest education and awareness at Forests Ontario, a nonprofit organization.
“A lot of the work we do is planting trees across the province . . . and talking about the role that the forest has to the economy,” she said. “It provides jobs for hundreds of thousands of families across the province.”
Kaknevicius says purchase of a “real” Christmas tree is the greener choice, unlike an artificial one.
“As the tree is growing, it’s sequestering carbon, providing wildlife habitat, and holding onto soils,” she said. “After the life of the Christmas tree, municipalities will take it, turn it into mulch and give it back to the local parks.”
The installation is part of the museum’s annual 12 Trees Exhibition, which showcases contemporary artwork of12 artists. This year’s theme is called “Let There Be Light” and is co-curated by Canadian author and artist Douglas Coupland.
“The concept is that light is really a symbol of hope and unity that many cultures and faiths share during the holiday season,” Weiner said. “Twelve artist installations have been inspired by this idea of light and reimagining the traditional Christmas tree.”
The exhibit opens on Nov. 17 and runs until Jan. 7, 2018.