Summer at the Arboretum Features the Popular ZimSculpt, an Exhibition of Contemporary Zimbabwean Stone Sculptures
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents the return of the international blockbuster exhibit ZimSculpt, a world-renowned collection of hand-selected, modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures. As the signature event of Summer at the Arboretum, ZimSculpt runs from May 1 to Aug. 8.
To celebrate the opening day of ZimSculpt, the Dallas Arboretum hosts the first ever Black Heritage Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day is filled with events surrounding ZimSculpt, cooking demonstrations and Black-owned businesses showcasing and selling their crafts. From 2 to 4 p.m., the Don Diego Band performs jazz and R&B.
ZimSculpt features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.
ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors. Therefore, as part of the exhibit, guests are welcome to watch artists and sculptors Passmore Mupindiko and Brighton Layson demonstrate their artistry daily as they carve statues with chisels, hammers, files and sandpaper. (More information about the sculptors can be found at the end of the release.)
According to Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, “After their popular success in 2017, we’re excited to welcome back ZimSculpt to showcase the magnificent contemporary sculptures that fit perfectly in our garden setting. The statues have been described as strong and delicate, stark and complex, contemporary and exquisitely handmade. We invite you to see them this summer.”
Visitors may purchase any of the sculptures on display in the garden, as well as the ones created by the onsite artists in The Marketplace, which is located in the Dallas Arboretum’s Pecan Grove. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the sculptures and items in The Marketplace supports the Dallas Arboretum.
ZimSculpt is supported in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.
Tickets must be pre-purchased online or by calling 214-515-6615. Wearing a face covering is required for all guests five years of age while visiting the Dallas Arboretum, unless medically unable to do so.
About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visitwww.dallasarboretum.org.
Meet the Artists
Passmore Mupindiko
Passmore Mupindiko started carving in wood in 1992 after his father passed away. As he developed these masterful skills, he transitioned to carving and working with stone in 1998. He continued to improve his knowledge of care, maintenance and carving of stone at the Tengenenge Arts Community. His main subjects in stone are leafbowls, slender Guinea fowl, shells and leaf heads.
Mupindiko has also taught sculpture workshops on the coast at camps for children and adults to learn step-by-step the art and uniqueness of Zimbabwean stone carving and maintenance. Since 2004, he has toured with ZimSculpt. He serves as a vital support role to this culturally unique exhibit by installing, polishing, caring, removing and packing the fragile Zimbabwean stone sculptures.
Brighton Layson
Brighton Layson, who began his career in engineering, began sculpting in 1999 when he worked as his brother’s assistant sculptor at Gwindingwi Sculptors in Zimbabwe. He started making sculpting tools and is now a major supplier of these tools in the art industry. Along with other sculptors, he formed the Tafara Mabvuku Art Association (TAMAA). In 2014, he was invited to join renowned Dominic Benhura’s Studio. Using nature as his main inspiration, Layson believes stone sculpture and care for stones reflects what an artist feels, thinks and sees. Since 2019, he has toured, presented and provided support for various ZimSculpt exhibitions.
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