Plants take over the Rotary courtyard at the Kelowna Art Gallery –
Kelowna-based artist Kyle Zsombor believed responsible

Kyle Zsombor: A Green Desire
Spring 2013 to Spring 2014

Kelowna, BC: The launch of a new annual series of commissioned projects in the Rotary Courtyard space at the Kelowna Art Gallery challenges artists to create a year-long installation in the form of a garden. The first in this series is titled A Green Desire, conceived and constructed by Kelowna-based artist Kyle Zsombor.

For his commission, Zsombor planned an ambitious two-pronged installation. One component will be a vertical garden (sometimes known as a living wall) on the north-facing wall of the courtyard space. The other element is a planted arbor of clustered pillars in the centre of the space, mainly filled with strawberry plants. Throughout the full cycle of all four seasons, Zsombor will be working hands-on in his artist’s garden. Visitors to the Rotary Courtyard will be assured a different experience each time they visit, as Zsombor will be harvesting ripe strawberries, trimming and training plants, and adding seasonally appropriate evergreens and perennials during the year-long endeavour.

Kyle Zsombor has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus. His artistic practice generally encompasses socio-political critique using sculpture/installation or montage. He has an avid interest in gardening and has taken the opportunity to add this year-long project to his studio practice.

An opening reception to celebrate this exhibition will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Kelowna Art Gallery. This will be a free event, open to members and guests, by invitation. Artist Kyle Zsombor will be in attendance and will offer remarks.

A Green Desire will be accompanied by an online publication, which will include a curatorial text by Liz Wylie, and will feature ongoing visual documentation.