BIRD SET FREE public artwork to be unveiled in Woodstock on Saturday

The Woodstock Art Gallery will be unveiling the City of Woodstock’s newest public art installation at a community event on Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

BIRD SET FREE was created by local artists Duane and Urszula Kumala-Thomas and is located in the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden at Florence Carlyle Park (174 Vansittart Ave.). The project was the result of a Legacy Grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage, a jury selection process and community consultation.

“BIRD SET FREE celebrates Woodstock’s rich cultural heritage and commemorates the life and legacy of groundbreaking woman artist, Florence Carlyle,” said Alexandra Hartstone, Director/Curator of the Woodstock Art Gallery.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada, our colleagues at the City of Woodstock, the public art committee, and the team at Baird Machines for helping to bring Duane and Urszula’s beautiful and engaging artwork to life.”

Florence Carlyle grew up in Woodstock and rose to international prominence as a painter in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. Inspired by Carlyle’s nickname, Bird, the sculpture explores the theme of confinement and freedom, reflecting on the artist’s life and the evolving societal norms of her time.

“Featuring a birdcage with its top torn open, capped by a distorted corset and a bird in flight, this visual metaphor embodies Carlyle's journey. It offers a unique exploration of the human form in tribute to the artist, recognizing and paying homage to her legacy,” explain Duane and Urszula Kumala-Thomas.

The main structure of the sculpture, which was fabricated by Baird Machines, was installed in the park in November. The final component, the bird in flight, will be mounted at the unveiling on Saturday. The event will also feature guest speakers, including a poetry reading by writer Emily De Angelis.

Following the public art unveiling, the community is also invited to attend the Woodstock Art Gallery’s 60th Anniversary Party in Museum Square from 12 – 4 p.m.

The free, family-friendly afternoon will include live music from the Grace San Andres Trio and Jack Redman, art activities, inflatable carnival games and local vendors, as well as exhibition tours across the street in the gallery at 449 Dundas St.