VERO BEACH – In the ten years since its historic restoration and re-opening, McKee Botanical Garden has established itself as a destination for cultural enrichment as well as a haven for horticultural beauty and diversity by launching some of the nation’s most talked-about outdoor exhibits. Visitors have been dwarfed by thirty life-size, realistic dinosaurs from sculptor Guy Darrough’s Lost World Studios; dazzled by dozens of glass sprites created by renowned Fräbel Studios; and charmed by whimsical, mischievous Dr. Seuss characters crafted by artist Leo Rijn.
The Garden has surpassed all these benchmarks with a dynamic tenth anniversary exhibition of more than thirty large-scale sculptures representing the relationship between art and nature that showcases the talent of more than 20 independent artists worldwide.
Sculpting Nature, an independently-curated exhibit shown exclusively at McKee Botanical Garden, features pieces as tall as fifteen feet; as long as seventeen feet; shapes molded from aluminum, bronze and glass; and artwork designed to float in the ponds or simulate flying through the air. From literal interpretations of majestic birds nestled in their natural surroundings, to more nuanced hints at the music and movement to be found outdoors, this diverse collection, created in a variety of mediums, harmoniously captures key elements of the natural world. Participating artists span the globe from right here in Vero Beach and other areas of Florida to as far away as Prague. Many have been recognized in sculpture competitions throughout the country and currently have artwork featured in museums, galleries and public and private collections coast to coast.
The pieces featured in Sculpting Nature are available for purchase and can be viewed during normal Garden hours through April 30. For more information, call 772-794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.
General admission fees are $9 adults, $8 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
The mission of McKee Botanical Garden is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach.
