Bernheim Forest is welcoming three GIANT new visitors to its GIANT forest this spring. As part of Bernheim’s 90th Anniversary, renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo is creating three Forest Giants – larger than life sculptures made from recycled and repurposed materials which otherwise would be thrown away.
These whimsical creations demonstrate that trash and waste can be valuable resources, and Dambo hopes they will inspire people to not only recycle, but to also think more deeply about the impact that our lifestyle choices have on the planet.
Bernheim Executive Director Dr. Mark Wourms also wants the Forest Giants to remind visitors of the importance of large forest blocks like Bernheim. Wourms said Bernheim strives to create experiences where people can interact with both art and nature, enhancing and inspiring deeper connections with the natural world.
“Ninety years ago, when I. W. Bernheim purchased 13,300 acres of land as a gift to the people of Kentucky, part of his vision was that this land would be a place for the people of Kentucky to further their love of the beautiful in nature and in art,” said Wourms. “Through art, people can experience nature in a whole new way, which is why we are thrilled to host Thomas and his team. These giants are a wondrous addition to our 16,137-acre forest, which we think is already a pretty magical place – a place where people connect with nature, a place where thousands of plant and wildlife species flourish and a place that is a source of clean air and clean water for the entire Greater Louisville Region.”
Wourms said the public is invited to watch Dambo and his team create the giants. They are scheduled to be finished before the end of March.
“Once all three are completed, they will ‘live’ at different sites throughout Bernheim – some easy and not so easy to spot – but all are fun to discover,” Wourms said.
Dambo is at Bernheim as part of its Sited@Bernheim program, which generates site-specific art projects intended to explore our relationship with nature through the lens of art. These Forest Giants are expected to remain in place for at least three years, and will provide fun photo opportunities, programs, and more.
Bernheim is a passionate supporter of arts in nature and has a long history of promoting art in the landscape through programs like Sited@Bernheim, among others.