George Pichl's Sculpture Garden
In 1987, sculptor George Pichl bought 9 acres of undeveloped land north of Grafton. With only the roughest idea where the project might lead, George started what has become a sprawling sculpture garden project with the excavation of several small ponds, three of which incorporated small islands.
Cement Fireplace by George Pichl
This landscaping effort was further developed over the course of the next 10 years with the planting of almost 400 spruce, pine, larch and maple trees. So successful was this venture that tall spruce trees now shade several small stocked fishponds. This man made micro-forest compliments hundreds of native white cedars to form the evergreen backdrop for dozens of imaginative sculptures George has added throughout the garden in the intervening years.
Birdbath by George Pichl
Several wooden bridges, three of which cross Shelter Valley Creek in the north end of the garden, have been constructed to link paths and mowed areas.
Gaia by George Pichl
In 1998, a small Viceroy home was erected on the property as George prepared to move in on a more permanent basis. Since moving from Toronto in the Spring of 1999 George has produced dozens of wood and welded steel sculptures and even a few stone and cement assemblages to inhabit his garden creation.
Assistant by George Pichl
These are placed year round throughout the approximately three acres, which forms the central sculpture garden in the middle of the property. Always looking for further opportunities to create landscape sculpture, George views his property as a work in progress.
George created the Sculpture Garden as a meditative space for his family and friends.
An exception was made in September 2003 when the garden was opened for a one-time showing allowing the public to view the site as part of the Northumberland Hills Studio Tour.
You can view George's work in Northumberland County at Eclectic Mix in Warkworth and The Colborne Art Gallery in Colborne.
Portfolio of Past and Present Works
An updated website containing jundredes of photos of Past and Present Works by George Pichl is now online. Included on the site is a retrospective of scuptures, painting and reliefs plus a visit to his sculpture garden and an examination of his work at Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club near Grafton.