For the next four months, Wilmington’s iconic Airlie Oak and its surrounding landscape will host gargoyles, giant insects and more creatures, both realistic and fantastical.
They’re part of Guardians of the Garden, Airlie Gardens’ collection of 14 metalwork sculpture by local artist Dumay Gorham III. The installation is Gorham’s first solo show in seven years, and will be exhibited until Oct. 23.
“Once we got everything installed, I was very impressed by how everything turned out,” Gorham said.
Gorham’s sculpture, primarily made of copper, includes flashes of bronze and stainless steel.
“All the pieces … are new for this exhibit,” he said.
His favorite of the new creations would be hard to choose.
“Every time I got finished with something, I thought it would be my favorite,” Gorham said.
Flo Berry, Airlie Gardens’ visitor services coordinator, described the sculptures as an extra bonus to guests who can see the pieces free with regular admission. Berry’s favorite is the hummingbird trio that hangs near Bradley Creek. The collection also includes owls and a praying mantis.
“They’re fantastic,” Berry said. “I think they really add to the garden.”
A kids’ program introduces young visitors to art in the gardens, too.
“We have a scavenger hunt for kids that goes with the exhibit,” Berry said. Kids who find all the sculpture hidden around the garden will win a prize.
When Airlie Gardens contacted Gorham to create a collection, he said he was excited to make sculpture unlike those he normally designs. As a Wilmington-based artist, most clients commission him for aquatic pieces like blue crabs and seahorses.
More than a creative exercise, the garden sculpture is an opportunity for exposure.
“First of all, I’m hoping some, if not all, of the pieces will sell,” Gorham said.
The pieces range in price from $750 for the hummingbirds to $6,000 for the owl and praying mantis.
Most of his other work is commissioned for private collections, Gorham said. In the past, clients have seen his work of a certain design, such as a crab, and asked him to make a new sculpture, like a sea bass.
Gorham said he hopes the Airlie Gardens collection will demonstrate the depth of talent. In addition to Guardians, Gorham has completed public projects for the City of Wilmington, the Bald Head Island Conservancy, New Hanover County Arboretum and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. -Henry Burnett
