The Riverbank Discovery Centre welcomed their sixth bronze sculpture of the Peter Sawatzky collection last week Tuesday.
“We’re really excited about it,” says Riverbank Executive Director, Dean Hammond. “This is Peter Sawatzky’s ‘Wetland Lovebirds’. It’s a pair of nesting blue herons on a tree branch, and they’re placed overlooking one of our ponds here at the Riverbank. It’s a really neat piece and we’re really happy how it came together and how it looks!”
This addition to the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Garden was made possible through the generous support of Sylvia Barr, a dear friend of Brandon Riverbank and a passionate supporter of the Sawatzky Gardens project. It was through her donation of $160,000 to the Riverbank that made this beautiful new addition possible.
(Photo credit Alternative Landscaping Facebook)
“Sylvia Barr is a relatively new person to Brandon, but she’s become a dear friend of Riverbank,” explains Hammond. “She’s helped us out on many different things, and she’s planted the Pollinator Gardens out to the front of our building. She’s a very avid gardener, so she’s helped us out in that.”
“And then when she learned of the Sawatzky Gardens project, she really wanted to get involved,” continues Hammond. “So, Sylvia actually put up the money for the herons. And so, this is the first piece that’s been bought with private donor money. That’s really exciting, and Sylvia loves the piece! She was here during the install. She absolutely loves it and she’s very happy, which makes us happy,” he adds.
(photo credit Alternative Landscaping Facebook)
Hammond shared his gratitude to Barr for kick-starting the next phase of the sculpture park project. Thanks to a combination of large and small donations, along with significant funding from the province, the team was able to complete the caribou and bear sculptures.
With these pieces now in place, visitors can see and touch the artwork, gaining a clearer understanding of the project’s vision. Looking ahead, the team is actively seeking support from private individuals, companies, or corporations to sponsor future sculptures. Their ultimate goal is to feature 16 pieces in total, completing the sculpture park and bringing the full vision to life.
“This summer the caribou and the bear and now the herons were all placed this summer, and we have had interest from people who are looking at doing other pieces,” explains Hammond. “Of course, I can’t talk about that just yet, but yes, if anyone or any organization is looking to or has interest in a piece, then give us a call. We’d love to talk to you about that.”
Pathways will guide visitors from one sculpture to the next
With six of the planned sixteen sculptures now completed, Hammond says the remaining pieces will be placed throughout the grounds—starting from the back of the building and continuing alongside the river. The sculptures will follow designated pathways, guiding visitors from one piece to the next.
The final destination for the sculpture trail will be at the intersection of 18th Street and Kirkaldy Drive, where a striking installation featuring a bison and two calves is planned. He says they are particularly excited about this location, noting that the three large sculptures will be highly visible to anyone driving down 18th Street, making for a spectacular and memorable display.
Grand Opening of the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Garden will take place on Thursday afternoon, October 9th from 2-5. However, the official ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm.
To view some of the beautiful sculptures on display at the Riverbank Discovery Center, view this video here!
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