Art in the country north of Kingston

One of Stefan Duerst’s works at the Godfrey Sculpture Park. Photo: James Morgan

The countryside north of Kingston is a natural art gallery of forests, lakes, and Canadian Shield rock.  A small part of it is a real art gallery too.  The Godfrey Sculpture Park is located near the hamlet of Godfrey.  It’s on the bucolic 60-acre property where sculptor Stefan Duerst has his studio.  Originally from Munich, Germany, he trained there as a metal fabricator and blacksmith.  He immigrated to Canada 15 years ago and had a shop in Kingston before relocating to his rural home six years ago with his wife and two children.  The sculpture park opened last year and features Duerst’s work along with sculptors Chaka Chikodzi, Kevin Lockau, and German graffiti artist “loomit.”  Duerst wants to attract more artists to showcase their work at the park and to create a tranquil space that people can visit to learn and practice activities like yoga and meditation.  He’s also a certified Jin Shin Do(R) accupressurist and offers treatments.  In addition to the sculptures, the property has a trail through the forest that goes past a beaver pond.

Stefan Duerst with a sculpture he created in collaboration with German graffiti artist “‘loomit.” Photo: James Morgan

Stefan Duerst’s work is in public places across Canada and the world.  He’s done commissioned works for government, corporations, and charities.  Tony Orr works as his fabrication assistant.  Orr is also a long-time broadcaster on radio stations in Kingston.  He was also a Broadcast Journalism instructor for several years at Loyalist community college in Belleville.  Duerst said his rural neighbors have been supportive of the Godfrey Sculpture Park because it’s bringing visitors to the community, which relies mostly on small-scale agriculture and seasonal tourism for economic activity.  The rugged landscape on this former farm accentuates the sculptures.  It gives visitors the opportunity to reflect and interpret what they see.

Yellow metal on rock contrasting with green sumac. Photo: James Morgan

Glass artist Kevin Lockau collaborated with Stefan Duerst on this work. Photo: James Morgan

Chaka Chikodzi is a Toronto-based stone sculptor originally from Zimbabwe. Two people he created are shown here. Photo: James Morgan

Is it whimsical or symbolic? By Chaka Chikodzi.  Photo: James Morgan

This Duerst sculpture is a reminder of the livestock that once grazed on the land that is now the sculpture park. Photo: James Morgan

This sculpture by Stefan Duerst strikes a noticeable pose on high ground by a meadow. Photo: James Morgan

“Fawns” by Chaka Chikodzi seems appropriate for the outdoor setting in spring. Photo: James Morgan

By Chaka Chikodzi. Photo: James Morgan

“Modern Totem” by Stefan Duerst stands before a reminder of the Canadian Shield. Photo: James Morgan

Along the path by the edge of the woods. Photo: James Morgan

The Godfrey Sculpture Park is located north of Kingston, just off the Westport Road between Road 38 and Westport.  Admission is by donation.  Stefan’s friendly dog likes to greet visitors with a wagging tail and a stick in his mouth.

Tags: art, Godfrey Sculpture Park, Ontario, Stefan Duerst