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Artisan Gardens recognize Aboriginal past

Article Origin

Author

By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY

Volume

19

Issue

6

Year

2012

The Artisan Gardens that pay tribute to First Nations at the Bow Valley Ranche historic site represent the final phase of a heritage project begun in 1995.

When Mitzie Wasyliw and husband Larry rescued the Bow Valley Ranche House from demolition, they had no idea that the work begun on the house would eventually lead to the commemorative gardens.

“Restoring the house itself was a huge endeavour,” said Mitzie Wasyliw.

The couple established the Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society in order to restore the Ranche to its original grandeur. The final phase of development has taken them yet further back in time to the first inhabitants of the Bow Valley who will be honoured in the Artisan Gardens.

Following the restoration of the buildings, the Native Gardens were created in 2000, forming the natural setting for the Artisan Gardens. Filled with original prairie sod, donated by a local land developer, indigenous plants took root springing up as they would in the wild. Sage, crocuses, yarrow, snowberry, wild clover, goldenrod, vetch, prairie grasses and numerous other species that occur naturally in the valley now flourish in the gardens that cover two and a half acres.

The society is honouring the First Nations history of the Bow Valley in a unique art garden that will look both forward and back in time.

“They were there first and are an integral part of the history,” said Wasyliw. “The Natives were transient people who left nothing permanent behind. This gives them permanence.”

The Artisan Gardens are situated in the amphitheatre, a space that accommodates groups of 100 or more for educational experiences. Seventy-two original artworks, in a variety of mediums including bronze, oils, tile, glass and even hides will be installed in the arrowhead-shaped ends of the amphitheatre benches. Of these, 12 pieces will be created by Aboriginal artists, including April Mercredi, Dennis Weber, Neepin Auger, Rocky Barstad, Roland Rollinmud, Ryan Willert, and Trevor Kiitoki.
Wasyliw worked with Yvonne Jobin of Moonstone Creation Native Gallery and Gift Shop to identify artists whose original works could be displayed.

“Identifying the artists could not have been done without Jobin’s  guidance and connections to the First Nations artists,” said Wasyliw.

The subjects depicted in the diverse mediums range from warriors to plant life, animals and, not surprisingly, encompass the natural world. The artistic depictions represent the moving forward of the culture. The crown of the three monolith art placards details the title, artist and sponsor of each original work of art.

This unique art garden situated in nature as it existed hundreds of years ago will be open year-round to the public.

“The Artisan Gardens create an experience of history in a sanctuary of nature,” said Wasyliw. “They give permanence in an artful way.”

Open houses with the artists in the gardens are planned for May 24 and June 21.