The Shaw Guild has unveiled a captivating art display titled “The Secret Garden,” featuring intricate designs crafted from pressed flowers. Located across multiple Shaw Festival locations, this artistic endeavor coincides with the staging of “The Secret Garden” at the Royal George Theatre until mid-October, aiming to foster community engagement through the arts.
Susan MacDonald, overseeing communications and outreach for the guild, highlighted the project’s intent to deepen community ties through live arts. “The Secret Garden” art installation, spearheaded by Shaw Guild volunteers and guided by designer Judith Bowden, began its journey in March. Over the spring and summer, 19 dedicated members diligently sourced seasonal blooms from their gardens and neighborhoods to contribute to the evolving piece. Scheduled to expand until fall, the artwork will remain on display throughout the play’s duration.
Currently, the initial three segments of the installation grace The Gallery behind the Royal George Theatre, enhancing the experience for attendees of Shaw’s Beyond the Stage programs and visitors strolling from Queen Street to the theatre’s studio. Additionally, miniature versions of the pressed-flower artwork can be admired in the lobbies of the Royal George and Festival theatres, as well as at satellite exhibits in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library and Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
Describing the meticulous process behind the artwork’s creation, Judith Bowden explained how flowers were delicately pressed onto pre-treated fabric, cut into squares, mounted on cardboard, and meticulously sewn together by hand. This craftsmanship, resembling an “English garden quilt,” progressed alongside the construction of the theatrical sets.
“The project isn’t just about creating art; it’s about reconnecting with our surroundings,” Bowden remarked, emphasizing how the initiative encouraged guild members to appreciate the botanical diversity of their environment. Each square of the installation is labeled with the date its flowers were collected, serving as a seasonal chronicle.
Reflecting on the project’s broader impact, Bowden noted its transformative effect on participants’ perception of their surroundings. “It changes how we map our neighborhood,” she observed, underscoring how the search for botanical specimens had deepened members’ awareness of local flora.
As the installation continues to evolve until autumn, culminating with the play’s conclusion on October 13, Shaw Guild members invite the public to observe and engage with this unique fusion of art and nature. The closing celebration of the installation will mark the culmination of months of dedication and creativity.
“The Secret Garden,” adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, not only enriches the theatrical experience with themes of rejuvenation and healing but also invites audiences to explore nature’s beauty through innovative artistry. MacDonald emphasized the inclusive nature of the project, offering pre-show workshops and specially designed garden spaces for patrons and community members alike to enjoy.
In essence, Shaw Guild’s “The Secret Garden” art installation stands as a testament to creativity, community collaboration, and the enduring allure of nature in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
