Exploring the Intersection of Art, Faith and the Human experience


Karen S. The Fool

A Garden? Of Sculptures? Oohh la la

by Lisa Smith

It’s finally happening! The pieces are slowly but surely starting to come together! There’s has been talk about the desire to do a sculpture garden at Convergence since . . . well forever! And all of a sudden the stars are aligning and things are starting to happen.

In March, Jay was asked to curate a show for the Fresh Expressions conference and there he met one of the artists who participated in the show, Karen Swenholt. A few months later, here we are. Pamela Underhill, Convergence artist/sculptor/landscape designer had previously created site-specific plans for Convergence’s sculpture garden dream and those dreams are now becoming a reality with Karen’s generous offer to lend three of her sculptures to Convergence indefinitely to get the garden started.

A couple weeks ago we had volunteers come out to help move Karen from her old studio (thank you Jim Cole Matthew and Gwyneth Kiehl). Friday, Ryan Wilson, Fox Vernon, Bud Hensgen and Jay Smith will go and pick up the actual sculptures. 553266_329164953828616_116690364_n

You may have noticed that there is also a few mounds of dirt on the Convergence property now. Pamela scored this awesome donation and is supervising the design of the whole project. These piles of dirt are the beginnings of large planting berms.  Within the next week or two we will see the piles shaped into curving mounds that will be mulched.  Please rest at ease that we are in the early stages of improving the landscaping.  Care is being taken for the existing trees so as not to harm their roots.  The goal is to physically improve the ground’s appearance and the natural environment.  We will be installing some figurative sculptures and hope you all will appreciate their beauty and fragility.  Please help us keep the sculptures and your pets and children safe by not allowing them to climb on the dirt mounds or sculptures. The next phase will be to begin bringing in good soil for planting and the plants.  We are improving our property to be more of an inviting park-like setting that can be used by our artists, patrons, supporters and community.

Take a look at Jay’s statement about the project below. -Lisa


The Contemplative Sculpture Garden Project At Convergencedaughter_002

After much planning and anticipation Convergence is ready to break ground on its exciting Contemplative Sculpture Garden project. Initially featuring four life size sculptures from master sculptor Karen Swenholt and designed by our favorite local landscape designer Pamela Underhill; Convergence’s contemplative sculpture garden will provide a unique space of beauty and contemplation for Alexandria’s West End. Located just off of King Street and 395, the garden will provide an artistic and contemplative environment ideal for rest, meditation, prayer and intimate outdoor special events.

We hope you are excited about this project as we are!

Click here for Karen Swenholt’s portfolio website. www.KarenSwenholt.com
My favorite picture is the one where she is giving a sculpture to Bono!

Pamela Underhill’s Facebook Page

Karen Swenholt’s Facebook Page

UPDATE


Since this article was written the sculptures have actually arrived at Convergence. On Thursday, 14th, Karen will be weather-proofing them. Click here for pics of the move. Continued to stay tuned for updates here and on Facebook!

 




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