Turnout for tenth annual Artists in the Garden fundraiser not dampened by rain
Jun 21, 2009 - 02:26 PM
By Jillian Follert
DURHAM -- Brad Lockner isn’t a fan of organized gardens.
His Oshawa backyard is more of a naturalized forest, where cedar trees tower high overhead and dense ferns and bushes are interrupted only by narrow pathways.
“I’m trying to recreate the native forest that was once there,” he explains. “I only plant native stuff, and if something comes up on its own and looks good, I leave it alone.”
Mr. Lockner’s untamed masterpiece was one of 15 gardens included in the tenth anniversary Artists in the Garden fundraiser held on Saturday. He said this is the first time he has taken part in the event, calling it “a really good cause.”
Artists in the Garden features a tour of residential gardens in Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington, with work by different local artists available for purchase in each one, as well as live entertainment by local musicians.
All proceeds go to Hearth Place, which provides support groups, educational presentations, and wellness programs like yoga and reiki, to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Despite the soggy weather on Saturday, turnout for this year’s event was strong. Participants came armed with raincoats and umbrellas, and artists displayed their less hardy works in garages and under tents.
Don McClennen was one of three artists featured in Mr. Lockner’s garden.
The local man creates kiln-fired glass works ranging from bird baths and garden sculptures, to decorative plates and jewelry.
“I’ve done Artists in the Garden for many years, it’s a good cause and a good way to meet other people who like art and gardens,” he said.
Fellow artist Bill Moore said he was inspired to take part because he has lost loved ones to cancer.
He creates massive metal sculptures inspired by nature. A dragonfly, mosquito, spider and butterfly were among the works he had on display, each one inspired by a real animal or insect that he captured and measured, to ensure the sculpture would be to scale.
To learn more about Hearth Place, visit www.hearthplace.org.
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