Photo supplied.
Sculpture entitled “Living in Harmony” created by Simon Chidharara is among the many Zimbabwean stone sculptures on display at ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery which opens July 1st.
It’s a later start than usual, but Zim Art’s Rice Lake Gallery will be open for the summer season this year, with some operational changes that allow art and social distancing to be compatible. From July 1st until Thanksgiving, the gallery will welcome the public each day from 11am to 6pm, offering an impressive display of more than 300 Zimbabwean stone sculptures scattered throughout their three acre property.
Fran Fearnley is the founder of ZimArt and the Rice Lake Gallery which first opened in 2000 with an exhibit of Zimbabwean stone sculpture. Now in its 21st season, it is considered a summer art destination. It also hosts special events to foster a greater appreciation for the Zimbabwe culture, including stone carving workshops as well as parties featuring local food, music and entertainment. Due to COVID 19 the gallery has had to scale back on some of these programs that would be a challenge to organize in a social distancing environment, but carving workshops will be available.
Other years (and hopefully again next year) an artist has travelled from Zimbabwe for the season. Covid-19 restrictions have put a stop to that this year, but the gallery has secured the services of Patrick Sephani, 41, a Zimbabwean-Canadian who started sculpting at the age of seven who will be the resident artist at the Gallery for July and August and lead the carving workshops.
The Gallery has always been described as a peaceful oasis by enthusiastic visitors. Perhaps this year, more than ever, we can appreciate the restorative power of nature and art.
Like all responsible businesses ZimArt is covid-compliant. Sorry no touching the sculptures this year! Admission is free. Bring a picnic. www.zimart.ca 855 Second Line, Bailieboro, 705.939.6144 .
