Touch Wood at Van Dusen Botanical Garden

This summer, take a walk on the wild side. As you wander the natural beauty of VanDusen Botanical Garden stop and take a look at for the Garden’s latest art installation – “Touch Wood“, running June 20th until September 30th. Following on the successful run of last year’s “Earth Art” exhibition, “Touch Wood” is another opportunity for the public to experience the Garden in a different light. “The environment becomes part of the show. Because of the placement of the art, people see and experience the Garden in a new way,” says Garden Director Harry Jongerden.

Curated by Celia Duthie and Nicholas Hunt of the Duthie Gallery on Saltspring Island, the 24 wood and wood inspired sculptures by 10 prominent BC artists are dotted throughout the Garden’s 22 hectares. The Touch Wood Visitors Guide connects the dots as you roam the lush verdant grounds. The exhibit begins as soon as you arrive at VanDusen Visitors Centre, the Discovery Room features some of the smaller (and for sale) pieces of sculpture. Stepping out to the garden, visitors will see that most of the pieces are on a grand scale, Michael Dennis’ Council Of Elders features eleven 12ft high pieces, Steve Paterson & Janice Woode’s Last Of The Giants is a heavy steel recreation of loggers cutting a giant tree. In keeping with the Garden’s environmental commitment, all pieces of the exhibition are created from salvaged, scavanged or recycled materials. The sustainability of the pieces can extend with those that are purchased as part of the proceeds go back to preserving and supporting the Garden.