In 2013, while visiting family up at the Lake House, I came across an advertisement for Mosaïcultures Internationales® at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. It looked interesting and my cousin Heather and I decided to take a day trip to go see it. I had no idea what to expect, but I generally enjoy gardening and had never been to the gardens in Montreal, so I was eager to check it out. The theme of the event was “Land of Hope.” Its focus was on the interrelationship between humans and the environment they live in. All exhibits were created from natural materials, such as various florals, mosses, stones, grasses, and wood. Some of the displays were more thought-provoking while others were quite whimsical. I was truly amazed at the beauty and intricacy of the exhibits. As we walked in, we first encountered some smaller exhibits. A row of ring-tail lemurs, a castle, and a figure performing a folk dance were just a few. Then we got our first glimpse of one of the larger exhibits, “The Man Who Planted Trees.” I was blown away. The scene was inspired by a French fable and presented a figure of a shepherd with his flock of sheep, kneeling and planting a tree. It was magnificent. As we continued our walk through they just kept getting better and better. Of the large displays, my favorite was titled “A True Story” which depicted a girl in China who feel in love with red crown cranes as a child and as an adult worked in a reserve where she cared for them. One day trying to save an injured crane she slipped into the swamp – the bird survived but the young woman did not. In honor of her, the story was made into a song titled “A True Story.” My second favorite was “Mother Earth,” this consisted of the bust of a goddess surrounded by animals, plants, and a waterfall falling from her outstretched hand. It was absolutely extraordinary! From the ducks, to the pandas, to the tree full of birds the entire exhibition far exceeded my expectations. I’ve included a slide show but the pictures don’t do the displays justice. If you are ever able to see this event in person – it is a must see. Prior to this visit, I had never heard of Mosaïcultures Internationales®. It is a competitive event, held every three years. Professional horticulturalists from around the world are represented. The exhibits must adhere to the theme and must integrate some aspect of the culture from the countries they are representing. The event will be held in Antalya, Turkey in 2016 with a theme of “Flowers and Children.” I wish I could go and see it. Plans are being discussed for Mosaïcultures Internationales® of Montreal to exhibit in Gatineau, Quebec as part of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017. Funding issues are being addressed that may hamper the scale of the planned exhibition. I for one hope they are able to move forward with it, as I would love to make the trip to see it. If you are interested in more information on Mosaïcultures Internationales® visit http://www.mosaiculture.ca/en/.
0 Comments
|
AuthorI love to travel. For me it is an escape, sometimes a reawakening, often enlightening and inspiring. I hope you enjoy the stories of "my adventures." If I inspire you to have some of your own - all the better. Bon voyage! Archives
July 2016
Categories
All
All content on this web site is © Darcy Michele Scelsi
|