Nature as the First Artist!
Natural Materials, Timeless Art.
For thousands of years, humans have shaped wood into objects of beauty, meaning, and storytelling. From ancient totem carvings to traditional hand-sculpted forms passed down through generations, wood sculpture has always been a way for people to understand the world and their place within it. At the Alberta Botanic Garden, we honor this lineage by embracing nature as the original artist. Every grain pattern, curve, knot, and texture carries a history older than any human hand—reminding us that no designer is more skilled or more honest than nature itself.
By bringing art, sculpture, and the natural world together, we invite visitors to reconnect with something deeply instinctive. Touching carved wood, seeing its natural lines, and witnessing the harmony between human creativity and Earth’s raw materials fosters a sense of grounding and calm. It encourages reflection, supports mental and emotional well-being, and inspires a more mindful, connected way of living. Wood sculpture becomes not just an art form, but a path toward healing, creativity, and rediscovering our relationship with the natural world.
Artists have turned to nature not only as inspiration, but as their primary collaborator. Long before modern studios and galleries, ancient cultures carved their beliefs, stories, and emotions into wood—one of the oldest artistic mediums on Earth. Indigenous communities around the world used wood sculpture to honour ancestors, document history, and express their spiritual relationship with the land. In Europe and Asia, master carvers transformed trees into religious icons, architectural details, and symbolic artworks, each piece shaped by the natural grain and character of the wood. Over centuries, these traditions evolved as artists began to study the natural world more closely—observing the curves of branches, the textures of bark, and the organic shapes found in forests. Nature became both teacher and material. From classical woodcarving to the Land Art movement of the 20th century, artists have continued to explore how natural forms, raw materials, and the living environment can communicate beauty, balance, and meaning. Today, working with nature—and with wood—connects us to this ancient lineage of creativity. It reminds us that no designer surpasses nature itself, and that art born from the earth carries a healing power that nurtures our minds, our health, and our spirit.
Sculpted by Nature, Shaped by Artists.
At the Alberta Botanic Garden, we also collaborate with contemporary artists who work directly with nature—creating sculptures that honor the living world they come from. These artists study each plant, tree, and natural material with deep respect, learning its story, its history, and the unique character it carries. Through their hands, branches, roots, stones, and reclaimed wood are transformed into works of art that still echo the landscapes they were born from. Their creations form an interconnected web that ties art, sculpture, and nature back to their original source: the wellspring of creativity found in the natural world itself. These pieces invite visitors to see nature not just as scenery, but as teacher, collaborator, and muse—reminding us that all creativity begins with the earth beneath our feet.
About our Art collection
The Art Collection at the Alberta Botanic Garden has been thoughtfully assembled over the past two decades and now includes more than 50 oil paintings and sculptures by some of the finest artists from around the world.
With a strong focus on realism and hyperrealism, the collection also features lifesize master copies of iconic works from the Dutch Golden Age and Neoclassical periods—bringing timeless masterpieces into a new light.
This carefully curated collection showcases a wide range of works, from striking portraiture to elegant figurative pieces, with selections from both local and international artists.
The journey of building this collection has been one of passion and purpose—uniting contemporary works, classical styles, and masterful reproductions to celebrate technical excellence and artistic depth.
And the journey continues. The Alberta Botanic Garden remains committed to discovering and showcasing exceptional art from around the world—supporting artists, inspiring audiences, and enriching the cultural landscape of Alberta with every new addition.
The Idea!
Sharing our vision with you.
We want people to experience the beauty and power of old master paintings—right here in the heart of Alberta, Canada.
These aren’t just “master copies.” Through the eyes and hands of passionate young artists, they are reimagined in lifesize form, making it feel as though you’re standing face-to-face with the subjects themselves. It’s an intimate, moving experience—one that brings history to life in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Each brushstroke is infused with each artist’s deep admiration for the masters who have shaped their journey—painters who have inspired, sparked their imagination, and illuminated their path with wisdom, light, and creative fire. Now, we want to shares that inspiration with you, through every canvas and every story behind it.
Hand selected and curated
Most painting are from the Golden Dutch Age and Neoclassism, Hand selected and painting by the artist herself from Vermeer, Rembrandt, Ingres, Jan Lieven, Jack Louis David, Nichola Poussin, Delacroix.
What's the purpose of painting "Master Copies"?
To nurture and heal the soul.
To refill the creative well.
To pause and truly appreciate the beauty and wisdom held within timeless masterpieces.
That is why the Alberta Botanic Garden preserves, studies, and shares masterworks of art and nature. There’s something extraordinary about ancient and old master paintings—a quiet strength, a living energy. While engaging with them, we feel their presence, as if their wisdom is still alive, waiting to be rediscovered. These masters left behind more than just art—they left clues, emotions, and secrets woven into every brushstroke.
The Alberta Botanic Garden believes it is our task—our purpose—to learn from them, to feel their legacy, and to breathe that spirit into our own lives and creative journeys.
We hope to pass down this method to future artists and creators—especially those who feel empty, drained, or lost in their creative journey.
You must take time to heal. To nurture the soul.
Only then can creativity flow freely and bring meaning, balance, and beauty back into your life.
