RBG Grows Sculpture Collections and Cultural Programming

RBG Grows Sculpture Collections and Cultural Programming:

Award-winning Ron Baird sculpture, newly donated Mann Family Collection, and the Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL highlight RBG’s growing cultural offerings

Burlington, ON – August 26, 2026 – Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is expanding its outdoor art offerings in 2026 with the Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey, seven new permanent sculptures in Hendrie Park, and the upcoming installation of an award-winning interactive sculpture by renowned Canadian artist Ron Baird. Together, these additions strengthen RBG’s growing role as a destination where art, nature, and culture intersect.

Art and cultural programming have become an increasingly important part of the visitor experience at RBG, creating opportunities for guests to engage with art and nature through new and creative ways. There are currently 28 permanent works in RBG’s Hendrie Park, soon to be 29, along with 3 in Rock Garden. Through a combination of acquisitions, donations, and seasonal exhibitions, RBG is building diverse collections that encourage repeat visits while attracting new audiences.

The Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection (DLISC) in Hendrie Park, was first established in 2014 and is one of the largest publicly accessible outdoor sculpture collections in the region. Earlier this year, Dan Lawrie donated Portal: The Way We See by Jeff Gillmor. The latest upcoming addition acquired and donated by Dan Lawrie, Spheres of Influence, by renowned Canadian artist Ron Baird, is expected to be installed in August 2026. Known for creating imaginative and interactive public artworks found in communities across Canada, Baird’s Spheres of Influence is an interactive stainless-steel sculpture that invites audiences to engage directly with the piece.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve acquired and donated to the RBG, the amazing interactive sculpture, Spheres of Influence by renowned Canadian artist, Ron Baird,” said Dan Lawrie, President of the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection. “Mr. Baird’s sculpture won the prestigious Best in Show award at this year’s seven-week Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail festival. I’m excited to see it installed sometime in August in Hendrie Park to join over 20 other permanent sculptures by artists from around the world in the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection.”

This year marks the addition of a new collection to Hendrie Park, The Mann Family Collection. John Mann was a longtime champion of Canadian art and founder of the John Mann Gallery in St. Catharines. Gifted from the estate of John Mann, the collection consists of 6 works by Canadian artist, Douglas Bentham, The Hardingham Series. Bentham’s works have been shown across Canada and around the world. These additions strengthen RBG’s representation of significant Canadian sculptors within its growing permanent collection.

“Our Dad had a great passion for art and had been collecting paintings and sculptures for over 60 years. In particular, he believed that Canadian art should be experienced, celebrated, and shared. When the John Mann Gallery was opened in November 2019, he dedicated that space to supporting Canadian artists and making their work accessible,” said John Mann’s daughters. “We are honoured to see The Hardingham Series, by Douglas Bentham, become part of Royal Botanical Gardens’ permanent collection, where they will continue to inspire visitors and ensure that Dad’s passion for Canadian art lives on in a place that brings together nature, culture, and community.”

In addition to growing its permanent collections, RBG continues to present temporary exhibitions that bring new experiences to visitors. This summer, guests can experience the Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey, an outdoor exhibition featuring 18 monumental sculptures and a hidden digital world created by artist Ken Kelleher, known professionally as Anchorball.

Together, RBG’s growing permanent sculpture collections and seasonal exhibitions help create a cultural hub that resonates with both returning and first-time visitors. These initiatives reflect RBG’s ongoing commitment to presenting contemporary experiences within its natural landscapes while enhancing its appeal as a tourism destination for Ontario residents and visitors alike.

Visitors can experience ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey until September 20, 2026, alongside the permanent sculpture collections in Hendrie Park.