The Creation and Installation of a public sculpture in Fredericton Botanical Gardens.
James Boyd
On June 11, 2016, the official unveiling of Rhodo, an eight foot granite sculpture by Hampton artist Jim Boyd took place at the Fredericton Bontanical Gardens. Boyd’s design, a giant rhododendron bud, was inspired by the promise of spring and rebirth he recognised during his site visit on a cold January day. Boyd’s work reflects his deep connection to nature “ I was moved by beauty of the buds but also the power within them to withstand the winter and then burst forth in the spring.”
As part of the newly adopted Culture Plan, Fredericton is working to enhance the quality of life through the installation of public art. Under the leadership of Angela Watson, Cultural Development officer for the City of Fredericton, the popular nature park was selected as a site for the 2014-16 project. Occupying some 22 hectares of land in the centre of the city, the Fredericton Botanical Garden is a showcase and interpretation centre for plants and flowers which is widely used for recreational and ceremonial and cultural activities. Mr. Boyd’s design proposal was selected from an open competition.
Fredericton Deputy Mayor, Kate Rogers officiated at the unveiling, noting “We try to include culture in everyday lives of people. We are grateful to the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation for its lasting contribution to the city of Fredericton through this gift”
