Peter Sawatzky honoured with Legacy Sculpture Garden at Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre
Under a warm October sun a large crowd looked on and clapped as Glenboro’s own internationally acclaimed artist, Peter Sawatzky, cut the bright red ribbon, officially opening the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Garden that will forever stand as a legacy of his craft at Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre. As if the afternoon wasn’t momentous enough, Sawatzky was taken by surprise when he was gifted a plein air painting by well known Brandon artist, Weiming Zhao. The piece features Sawatzky standing before Caribou Crossing at the centre’s front entrance, a moment Zhao captured in July.
Zhoa commented, “I was also booked by the Riverbank staff to speak that evening and was asked to bring my easel, however they didn’t specify what I should paint. But when I saw Peter in-front his sculpture I knew that was what I wanted to create.”
Six of Sawatzky’s breathtaking bronze sculptures are now permanently displayed along the Riverbank grounds beside the Assiniboine River, a space that will eventually showcase more than a dozen of his works for generations to enjoy. Sculptures for the garden are commissioned through grants as well as private donations. It was disclosed that they have recently received a deposit on further sculptures.
Community leaders, supporters, and longtime admirers from across the province gathered for the celebration, including many who travelled by bus from Glenboro and surrounding areas to share in this special moment for one of their own. The ceremony was hosted by Riverbank Discovery Centre Executive Director Dean Hammond and featured remarks from several dignitaries, including MLA Wayne Balcaen and Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba.
For Sawatzky, the day was one of deep emotion and gratitude. “There isn’t anything like it that I’ve ever done before, or probably will ever do in the future,” he said, visibly moved by the outpouring of support. “It’s something I hope will be enjoyed for many generations to come.”
Among many friends in the crowd were Pete’s daughter Erin Sawatzky, grand daughter Gabby and her husband, Dallas Vincent, who made the trip from Calgary for the occasion. Gabby commented how very special the day was to the entire family and how exciting it is to see a project of this size showcasing her grandfather’s art to be shared for generations. “He (Sawatzky) is who triggered my love for art and this garden is sure to do the same for many others.”
Sawatzky has been travelling to the foundry in Billings, Montana for many years, where he has built a lasting friendship with owners Cal and Rene Paulson. “They’ve become like extended family,” he said warmly. “I’m so thrilled and honoured that they came here to share this special day with me. It means the world to me to have my family here, and to see so many from home,” Sawatzky continued, his voice thick with emotion. “Glenboro has always been part of who I am, and the support I’ve received from so many is something I’m truly grateful for.”
He also spoke candidly about the challenges many artists face as they try to balance passion with practicality. “A lot of artists don’t get that support, and they struggle,” he shared. “It’s a very difficult industry to be in. I’ve been very blessed to be able to do this full time.”
The opening also marked a significant milestone for the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre, a site that has undergone tremendous transformation since the devastating floods of 2011 and 2014. Former Executive Director Lois Ruston reflected on how those difficult years ultimately inspired renewal and the idea of creating a lasting space for Sawatzky’s work.
Ruston recalled travelling with then-councillor Jeff Fawcett to visit Sawatzky in his studio. “It was magical and beautiful,” she said. “You could instantly understand where his creativity comes from, right there in the heart of the woods. At first, Peter wasn’t sure he was worthy of such an honour, but of course, we all knew he absolutely was. He said he would think about it, and it was a week so later that he inquired about where they would be placed.”
From that first visit to the ribbon-cutting, nearly a decade of planning, collaboration, and vision has gone into bringing the Sawatzky Sculpture Garden to life.
MLA Wayne Balcaen called it a “truly emotional moment,” adding, “It’s a gift not just for Brandon, but for all of Manitoba.”
Travel Manitoba’s Colin Ferguson praised the project as both a cultural treasure and a tourism draw. “Peter’s work is nothing short of incredible,” he said. “This legacy garden will attract visitors from across the country and beyond. It is a proud tribute to Manitoba talent.”
While the afternoon sun lit the riverbank, many said the day really was a reflection of Sawatzky’s art which is rooted in nature, rich with emotion, and full of life. And for Peter, that memory has found a quiet place in his daily routine, as he lifts his coffee cup while gazing at Zhao’s painting a heartfelt gift and a personal reminder of a day filled with gratitude and connection.
PHOTO CAPTION: At the grand opening of the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Garden at the Brandon Discovery Centre, the artist is flanked by his daughter Erin Sawatzky (left) and grandaughter Gabby and her husband Dallas Vincent in front of one of his bronze creations that are already in place. PHOTO SUBMITTED
