The Naples Botanical Garden was first established in 1995 and consists of 160 acres of lakes and lands. Development has been ongoing toward the goal of becoming one of the finest collections of subtropical and tropical plants in the world. The stone sculpture exhibit called “Zimsculpt” made its Florida debut with a two-month exhibition and sale at the Naples Botanical Garden, from February 18 until April 22, 2012. Zimsculpt has brought the creations of Zimbabwean sculptors to major exhibitions in botanical gardens worldwide, where they have been accorded critical acclaim. The exhibit features more than 100 stone carvings arranged throughout the Garden. In addition to the sculptures, a Zimbabwean artist is on-site carving in the Garden daily. “Zimbabwe” means "great stone house," so it is fitting that stone sculpture is the art that most represents the people of Zimbabwe.
Entrance to the Naples Botanical Garden
A beautiful bougainvillea blooms near the entrance to the Gardens.
"African Queen" by Joe Mutasa
Springstone
"Dried Seed Pod" by Albert Wachi
Springstone
"Male Cat" by Frazer Frazer
Springstone
"Turtles" by Mwarura Ali
Springstone
"Slippery Snake" by Stanley Vuno
Springstone
"Solidarity" by Colleen Madamombe
Springstone
"African Warrior" by Witness Bonjisi
Opal Stone
The entrance to the sculpting demonstration and sculpture sale area.
"Reunited" by Tauri Mtigua
Opal Stone
Tent with Patrick Sephani
Patrick was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is known for his ability to use the natural and spiritual elements of stone to create works of art that are expressive of mood and emotion.
Sculptor Patrick Sephani at work
Moon Cycle by Zviito Chawani
Opal Stone
Sculpture Display
"Budding Flower" by Onward Sengo
and "Wise Owl" by Juja Tembo
"Look Within"
"Neverending" by Victor Matafi
Springstone
"Scripture" by McCloud Chiwawa
Opal Stone
Tent with sculptures
Sculptures displayed inside the tent
Sculptures inside the tent
Elephants
"Happy Family" by Patrick Sephani
Opal Stone
"Mother and Son" by Joe Mutasa
Springstone
"Flock of Birds" by Mike Katsvango
Springstone
Springstone
"Flock of Birds" detail
"Three Ladies"
"Newly Married" by Joe Mutasa
Springstone
Springstone
"Symphony"
"Links of Life" by Lincon Muteta
Opal Stone
"Links of Life"
LaGrippe Family
Burle Marx Plaza
Plaza Mosaic by Roberto Burle Marx
Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx was a landscape architect with broad talents. Burle Marx is considered by professionals to be the father of contemporary landscape architecture. Raymond Jungles, a landscape artist himself, bought the mural from his teacher shortly before Burle Marx’s death in 1994. It spent 15 years in boxes, before being donated by Jungles to this very special civic project at the botanical garden.
"Girl Reading a Book" sitting on Wall
Close-up of "Girl Reading a Book"
"Fish" on the plaza waters
"Lady with Urn" on the plaza
Robert and "Lady with Urn"
A school of fish floating above the plaza waters
"Mermaid" on the plaza
"Standing Bather" by Gregory Mutasa
Opal Stone
Opal Stone
"Cycle of Life" by Zviito Chawani
Cobalt Stone
"Three Faces"
"Crested Eagle" by Godfrey Kututwa
Springstone
"Energy" by Dudzai Mushawepwere
Opal Stone
"Energy" from the opposite side
"Infinity" by Temba Nyanhemwha
Springstone
Promenade with Arbor
"Coming Together" by Charles Sabuneti
Opal Stone
"Obsession" by Semina Mpofu
Springstone
"Neverending" by Washington Matafi
Opal Stone
"Catching the Moon" by Jonathan Mhondorhuma
"Hiding" by Rufaro Ngoma
Springstone
"Looking to the Future" by Rufaro Ngoma
Springstone
"Egret"
The Water Garden with Fish sculpture
A close-up of Fish, seemingly floating in the pond
"Mother’s Bond" by Lacknos Chingwara
"New Beginning" by Arthur Fata
Cobalt Stone
Close-up "New Beginning"
"Sisters and their Children" by Brian Watyoka
Opal Stone
Paired for Life
"Look Within" by Munyaradzi Jeche
Springstone
Couple and Frogs
"Love Song" by Lovemore Bonjisi
Cobalt stone - And final sculpture
