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Media ReleaseDate: July 05, 2006 AFRICAN CULTURE IN STONE EXHIBIT OPENS AT HUMBER ARBORETUMToronto – Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning and the Humber Arboretum in collaboration with Talking Stones and Mystery in Stone galleries are pleased to host the African Culture in Stone sculpture exhibition. The exhibition will be displayed in two locations: Humber Arboretum Gardens from July 4 to October 31, 2006 and University of Guelph-Humber Art Gallery (Room GH 128) from July 4 to August 31, 2006. This outstanding sculpture exhibition features the masterpieces of some of Zimbabwe's most collected and best-known stone sculptors, and also the stunning works of Africa's newest generation of young artists. The pieces are made of materials unique to the region of Zimbabwe, settled by the Shona tribe. The Shona sculptors are mostly self taught artists who carve by using non-mechanical, handmade tools. Despite the incredible proportion and balance many artists achieve, there is no pre–sketching, pre-drafting or pre-shaping of their work. The stone carvers believe that every rock contains a spirit essence that influences how the stone will be shaped and transformed during carving. Shona sculptures have been displayed in galleries all over the world including: the Museum of Modern Art, Rodin Museum in Paris, the London Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum. The sculptures have received international recognition by art critics and journalist. Newsweek magazine stated that “Shona sculpture is perhaps the most important new art form to emerge from Africa this century.” "We are excited to bring the travelling exhibition to the Humber Arboretum, a true jewel in the Greater Toronto landscape. We are also very delighted that we will be able to support the crucial projects of this vital organization by donating a portion of all sculpture sales during the exhibition. This is definitely a must-see event for all art, garden and nature lovers in Toronto," says Ishmael Sharara, Talking Stones gallery curator. The pieces will be for sale to the public with a portion of the sales going to the Humber Arboretum, the Stephen Lewis Foundation for HIV/AIDS and an AIDS orphanage in Zimbabwe. The Talking Stones artists are dedicated to the fight against the HIV virus as many have experienced losing a close family member to AIDS complications. "We are delighted that a portion of the sales will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We are excited to be a part of the opening celebration and looking forward to experiencing this innovative and compelling exhibition," says Carolyn Doyle of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The Humber Arboretum, located on the West Humber River at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning’s North Campus, encompasses 100 hectares of gardens and natural areas. A leader in environmental education, the Arboretum provides thousands of youth with the opportunity to experience nature in the city. It is also learning grounds for Humber students in programs including Horticulture and Environmental Technologies. -30- Contact:
Ilena Aldini-Messina
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