Garden Club unveils seasonal displays in ceremony
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Wehmhoff Square Park in downtown Burlington is known as a gathering place for community events while offering Burlington Public Library patrons a place to read a book during pleasant summer months.
The prominently located park, in addition to providing a venue for visitors and residents, now has another feature with the addition of garden art through a collaboration between the Burlington Area Garden Club and people from the Artists’ and Crafters’ Studio.
The garden art, which was funded entirely by the Burlington Area Garden Club, was unveiled at an Aug. 4 ceremony.
Garden Club member and past president Colleen Hueber, who spearheaded the project, said it took about two years and primarily focuses on the four circles, with lilac bushes in the center, near the Wehmhoff Square Park gazebo.
“We have been maintaining the four circles. Then we adopted the park, and we had a difficult time getting the plants to grow here,” said Hueber, who attributed inconsistent heat as one of the reasons.
In response, the Garden Club looked for a new way to beautify the circles and received insight from a Pinterest post showcasing garden art.
“I went to the artists group and said, ‘Would you like to help create something for Wehmhoff Square Park,” Hueber explained, adding the group enthusiastically supported the concept.
Each circle represents a season with four painted 16×16-inch cement pavers located inside.
The painting has a hidden item for viewers to find, which in turn aims to offer an interactive experience, Hueber said.
“Our president, Barb Lehn has been a cheerleader and supportive in this project,” Hueber said.
The project cleared several hurdles, including approval from the Park Board, and received support from Love, Inc., the Library Board and Experience Burlington to help it become a reality.
Library praises addition
Library Director Joe Davies said during the ceremony the additions showcase community unity.
“Our park, nestled beside the library, is a perfect embodiment of this unity,” he said. “The library stands as a beacon of knowledge and discovery, while the park offers a space for relaxation, play and connection. Together, they form a cornerstone of our community life.”
While the art pieces represent a strong community, Davies emphasized the features have added more beauty to the park, which has seen improvements through local partnerships.
“Art, in particular, has a unique way of reflecting and shaping our community. It tells our stories, captures our emotions, and immortalizes our shared values,” Davies said. “These artworks being officially unveiled today are a testament to our community spirit. They are a symbol of our unity, our creativity, and the beauty we find in the world and each other.”
He commended the Burlington Area Garden Club and the artists for completing the project.
The Burlington Public Library, which is typically closed on Sundays, opened its doors to the community on Aug. 4 to allow visitors time to view other works of art presented by the participating artists.
Community collaboration
Leading up to completion of the project, the Garden Club received support from community partners, including Love, Inc.
Hueber said Love, Inc. allowed artists to come inside and create the works of art in a controlled environment before storing each cement block in a member’s garage prior to the unveiling.
Before installing the blocks, Garden Club members applied three coats of clear acrylic paint to protect the integrity and quality of the art pieces.
Cheryl Coleman Zalewski, one of the artists, said the project allowed her to explore a medium outside of her typical specialty.
“I am primarily an abstract artist, a mixed media artist, but I love trees,” said Zalewski. She decided to showcase nature’s beauty through a depiction of foliage changing colors, a charming landscape, and a body of water representing Burlington’s rivers.
She said her piece of work represents a “place of serenity.”
Pam McCaslin, another artist, opted to use her interest in music and nature as inspiration behind her piece.
As part of her art for the project, she showcased a frog playing the banjo, which intersects both of her interests and includes other hidden features, like other cement pavers.
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