There’s something about a meditative walk in the woods that puts my soul at ease. It’s as if my whole body can finally take a deep breath, helping me to brush off the burdens of the day and find some peace. The Japanese call this act shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and it is one of my favourite ways to decompress.
If you are like me and enjoy spending time in nature, perhaps you should put a visit to Haliburton County on your road trip list for the fall. Nestled in central Ontario, Haliburton County is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area, depending on traffic. It is sandwiched between the Muskokas to the west, Algonquin Park to the northeast, and Kawartha Lakes to the south. The Haliburton Highlands are full of artists, musicians, and makers of all sorts who draw their inspiration from the scenery around them. It is a land of crystal lakes, tall reaching pines, and, currently, two very unique forest fibre installations.
Pop Goes the Forest
Located just outside the village of Haliburton, Ontario, the Haliburton Sculpture Forest is an open-air sculpture gallery that winds its way through the woodlands surrounding the campus of the Haliburton School of Art and Design
Kendal’s exhibition consists of brightly coloured macro sized interpretations of lichens, fungi, and bark that have been constructed out of nylon paracord or Ottertex (a waterproof canvas fabric). The installation has been placed high in the branches and trees of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, adding a delightfully unexpected textile contrast to the heft of the metal and stone used in the majority of the sculptures. The materials of Kendal’s pieces do a fabulous job of mimicking the natural textures of the organisms she is emulating, while the bold vibrant colours draw your eye to the gigantic scale of her creations.
Boreal Oak Moss, by Susan Kendal
Rosetta Lichen, by Susan Kendal
Oyster Mushrooms, by Susan Kendal.
“Pop Goes the Forest” is on display until October 27, 2022, though the Haliburton Sculpture Forest itself is open year-round. Admission is by donation and can be paid online or through donation boxes scattered throughout the Forest. For more information about this exhibit, or the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, visit haliburtonsculptureforest.ca.
Polypores (Turkey Tails) and Oyster Mushrooms, by Susan Kendal.
Art in the Forest
If you have a few hours (and a lot of good quality bug spray) the “Art in the Forest” exhibition on the Wild Woods Walk trail at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is certainly worth the trip. The 6.8 km moderately challenging loop trail travels through the forest of this private nature reserve, beckoning you to continue exploring as new pieces of art surround you in the trees. Depending on the time of day, the artworks can contrast vividly against the scenery or blend in so cleverly that you almost don’t notice they are there. You may stumble upon a flight of monarch butterflies anchored to the bark of a tree, or follow the lines of bright vermillion prayer flags strung amongst the branches. You might chuckle in delight as I did when I looked down to see a series of gnarly tree roots crafted entirely out of embroidery threads. Surprises occur at every bend as woven tapestries, felted plants, and handmade quilts compete for your attention alongside the occasional (real) woodland creature. Although the exhibition is concentrated at the beginning and ending thirds of the trail, you won’t regret completing the whole loop, as the path itself is beautiful with or without its fibre adornments. Admission to the “Art in the Forest” exhibition is included in your day use hiking pass ($8 for adults, children 17 and under are free) payable at the Haliburton Forest office or by booking online.Enjoy the gallery below. Click on each image to enlarge and see it in full.
Art In The Forest installation by Nancy Yule Peace
Art In The Forest installation by Unidentified Artist
Art In The Forest installation by Micaela Fitzsimmons
Art In The Forest installation by Wendy O’Brien
Art In The Forest installation by Sharron Deacon Begg
Art In The Forest installation by Nancy Yule Peace
Art In The Forest 6 Artist Wendy O Brien
All photos by Victoria Bingham.
