City of Nanaimo unveils temporary public art installation

Forest Flowers by artists Eliza Gardiner and Isaiah Kingdon brings vibrant native flora to Kinette Evergreen Park

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 25, 2026 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is proud to announce the unveiling of "Forest Flowers", a vibrant new temporary public art installation by artists Eliza Gardiner and Isaiah Kingdon. Located in Kinette Evergreen Park adjacent to the walking path at the base of Ninth Street hill, the large-scale sculptural work celebrates the beauty of Nanaimo’s native plant life through oversized floral forms inspired by the rare Crown Brodiaea flower.

"Forest Flowers" features a cluster of three colourful sculptural blooms rising between six and nine feet tall, designed to surprise and delight visitors as they enjoy the park. Constructed from powder-coated steel and translucent molded acrylic, the flowers are inspired by the violet-purple blossoms native to the Harewood Plains area. Sunlight passing through the petals creates shifting reflections and tinted light across the surrounding greenspace, adding moments of wonder and playfulness to the natural landscape.

The installation reflects the artists’ shared interest in community connection, accessibility and the relationship between art and place. Combining Gardiner’s community-focused arts practice with Kingdon’s digital fabrication expertise, the project merges traditional sculptural inspiration with contemporary fabrication techniques.

"Forest Flowers" encourages visitors to learn more about native and endangered plant species found in the Nanaimo region, inviting residents and visitors alike to reconnect with the natural environment and experience public space in a new way.

Eliza Gardiner is a Nanaimo-based artist, educator and Vancouver Island University professor whose work explores community engagement, accessibility and arts-based learning. Isaiah Kingdon is an emerging artist and designer whose practice bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication technologies.

"Forest Flowers" will remain on display in Kinette Evergreen Park through 2031. More information on the Temporary Public Art program, including an interactive online map, can be found on the city's website.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Temporary Public Art Program aligns with the goals of the City of Nanaimo’s City Plan by supporting accessible public art experiences that foster creativity, connection and vibrancy in public spaces throughout the community.

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