The Arts Council of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego Public Library invite the public to “Follow Your Art!” with the creation of a community sculpture garden.  The Whimsical Flower Garden will be located in the window well visible from the children’s section of the Library.  The mosaic flowers, stems and leaves will be constructed of recycled metal, china and stoneware. 

The community will have several opportunities to participate in the creation of this work of art.  They can donate recycled materials to the project (see below).  They can also take on the role of “community artist” and help create the mosaic flowers with local artist Julie Brown on Saturday, Sept. 6, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm, at the Arts Council booth at Farmer’s Market, Millennium Plaza.  Metal pieces, tile, gloves and adhesive will be provided. 

Brown created the concept for the Whimsical Flower Garden.  She has been creating with found objects since she was a child.  As an adult with degrees in dance and education, she danced professionally and taught for many years.  Inspired by her recent studies in architectural design and green building practices, she now creates mosaics out of recycled tile, plates, metal pieces and any other interesting item she might encounter.

“The whimsical nature of the garden invites you to discover the items that make up the flowers – ‘I spy’ a spatula, a bicycle tire, a whisk, a key,” says Brown.  “And people who have donated materials or made a mosaic will have fun looking for their flower, stem or leaf.”

The Whimsical Flower Garden is scheduled to be installed in the fall.

“This project will fulfill our long wait for artwork to enhance the window well outside the children’s area,” says Cyndie Glazer, Coordinator of Volunteer and Program Services at the Lake Oswego Public Library.  “And it’s a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to come together and create something beautiful using recycled materials from their own lives.”

Materials can be dropped off July 7 through August 8 at the following locations:

• Arts Council office, City Hall, 380 A Avenue
• Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth St., main lobby
• West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, main entry

For a list of materials, please pick up a flyer at the Library or visit the Arts Council web site at www.artscouncillo.org/calendar.

The Whimsical Flower Garden is a project of the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, in partnership with the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego Public Library, and is sponsored in part by DeLap LLP.  For more information about the Whimsical Flower Garden, please contact the Arts Council at 503.675.3738.