Huge art display comes to botanical gardens
Installation ‘embodies the unique spirit of the people of Niagara’
Niagara Parks Commission will unveil a shiny new art installation today meant to depict the rugged rock face of the lower Niagara Gorge.
The large display by Niagara artist Gordon Reeve, titled “Niagara Strait,” will arrive at Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory at 2 p.m.
Steve Barnhart, senior director of parks, environment and culture, says the piece is approximately five metres in height and will be located near the main entry to the Niagara Parkway attraction.
“People will see it from the parking lot as they drive in,” he says. “It will be one of the first features you walk through, whether you’re going into the Butterfly Café or on your way to the butterfly conservatory.”
The piece won a professional art competition offered by the Parks last year as part of its Ontario150 ‘Rooted’ commemorative programming. Artists were invited to submit designs for a public installation which “embodies the unique spirit of the people of Niagara.”
Reeve’s work, comprised of three stainless steel walls, was chosen because it represents “Niagara Parks at its core,” says Barnhart.
“The artist captured the gorge in a very unique expression. It’s something, for those people who have not been into the gorge — in particular the lower river — it gives you a sense of what that drama could be like.”
Reeve is a former professor of sculpture at University of Manitoba and has produced several
films on art and architecture. He’s known for ecologically responsible works, made of durable materials meant to last decades.
“It’s going to last generations,” says Barnhart.
Visitors will be able to touch the work, he adds.
“That was part of the allure behind this piece. We’re re-instating the plaza site so that you can walk right up to it, see light reflecting off of it, you can definitely drag your hands across it.”
Hodgson Custom Rolling was tasked with creating the three rippling walls, which will be delivered on site today by Empire Transportation. Modern Crane will then hoist the pieces into place.
Final on-site construction around the piece will be completed by Niagara Parks over the next few weeks. A formal dedication and unveiling ceremony will be held in the spring.