The Gardens At Highland

Forty years into the design of the gardens at Highland, and after the installation of the wrought iron fence, construction of the amphitheater, gazebo, entry bridge and fountains, we were finally ready to buy art for the garden, but were at a loss as to the theme for the outdoor art.

A garden can be Zen by simplicity placing a few rocks in a certain way; it can be contemplative by installing a Rodin-like sculpture, or it can be cutting edge by placing modern art. After much thinking and soul searching, we came to the conclusion we want the Highland gardens to be “whimsical.

Any parent who has read The Secret Garden to their kids knows the feeling one gets being in such a whimsical garden. Every adult loves to capture the feeling of being Alice in wonderland. The three dancing black sheep pictured here, the Fish goddess fountain, and the Hare sitting on a stump are the newest additions to the Highland gardens by the local artist and City Club’s first Artist in Residence Giuseppe Palumbo.

Giuseppe is smart, cool and prolific; his art is fun and intriguing. When I first saw his work a few years back, I was not sure whether I liked it or not, but was sure I could not afford it, so it really didn’t make a difference whether I liked it or not. But I was intrigued.

Take a look and let us know how this art makes you feel in the Highland gardens.

— Sina