Glenboro Sculptor Peter Sawatzky Moved by Artist’s Gesture

On July 27, 2023, renowned Glenboro sculptor Peter Sawatzky received an emotional surprise when fellow artist Weiming Zhao presented him with a painting during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Park at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. The artwork features Sawatzky standing proudly before his iconic bronze sculpture of 11 caribou, which graces the entrance of the centre.

Artistic Connection Unveiled

During the ceremony, Sawatzky expressed his heartfelt reaction to the gift, stating, “I was in total shock, I got emotional. But it meant an awful lot to me. It was a real honour, very heartwarming.” This moment of recognition came after a summer evening in July when Zhao, an alumnus of Brandon University, painted Sawatzky as he delivered a public presentation in front of the caribou sculpture.

Zhao, who had been invited to speak at the event, was asked by staff at the Riverbank to capture Sawatzky’s essence on canvas. “They didn’t specify what I should paint, but when I saw him standing in front of his sculpture talking to the crowd, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s what I’m doing,’” he recalled.

From Inspiration to Creation

As Zhao began his painting, Sawatzky, familiar with Zhao’s work yet never having met him, approached to see the progress. He noted, “I kind of went behind him to look at what he was painting. He was starting with the trees and had the base of the caribou roughed in.” Their conversation revealed a mutual admiration, with both artists expressing a desire to meet one another.

After Zhao completed the painting, it was framed and presented to Sawatzky as a surprise during the ceremony. The emotional impact of the gesture resonated deeply with Sawatzky, who has since hung the painting in a prominent spot in his home. “It’s in the middle of my kitchen right now, where I look out every day,” he said. “So when I go in, I’m walking toward the painting. I’ll see it four, five times a day.”

The Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Park features six of Sawatzky’s bronze sculptures, including the notable caribou piece. Other installations include a pair of great blue herons, a curious bear, and a doe with her fawn, contributing to the park’s artistic landscape.

Zhao, who moved to Brandon as an international student in 1991 and studied psychology, is celebrated for his paintings that depict the essence of Brandon and surrounding areas. He mentioned, “Peter is such a deserving artist. It’s been amazing to meet him.” Zhao also noted that he has painted all of Sawatzky’s sculptures except the great blue herons, for which he promised a future rendition.

As the ceremony concluded, the artistic community celebrated not only the unveiling of the sculpture park but also the bonds formed through creativity and mutual respect between artists. Sawatzky’s emotional response to Zhao’s gift highlighted the profound impact of art and connection in their community.