May 1–August 8
The Dallas Arboretum 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 of Sculpture, ZimSculpt runs from May 1 to August 8.
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 on select days as they carve statues with chisels, hammers, files and sandpaper.
Renowned Sculptor Dominic Benhura Visit: June 18–27
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will host international renowned stone sculptor, Dominic Benhura, from June 18 to 27. Benhura will give daily talks at 2pm in the Pecan Grove Marketplace, and 25 of his exquisite statues will also be on display and are available to purchase.
Benhura has been sculpting since he was a young boy, learning the skill from his cousin, master sculptor Tapfuman Gutsa. Benhura sold his first piece when he was 12 years old.
Founder of Dominic’s Studio in Harare, Benhura nurtures budding artists, by mentoring them and providing them work spaces. His sculptures are collected and displayed in gardens and museums around the world including Italy, Belgium, Germany and Zimbabwe. In the U.S., visitors can see his pieces at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Benson Sculpture Garden in Colorado and at the Dallas Children’s Theater.