Nestled in the heart of Grey County, Studio 124 Singhampton Sculpture Forest offers an enchanting fusion of art and nature. During our recent visit, we had the privilege of exploring this unique outdoor art exhibit, guided by the artist herself, Marion Bartlett. This immersive experience, set amidst a tranquil wooded trail behind Marion’s home, left us inspired and deeply connected to the artistic journey of this remarkable creator.
The Origin of the Sculpture Forest
Marion Bartlett shared the captivating story of how the Singhampton Sculpture Forest came to be. “The Singhampton Sculpture Forest began soon after we moved to this area in 2017,” Marion explained. A career artist, Marion’s repertoire includes commissions for corporate clients and displays in galleries and art shows. She has also taught art part-time and created works from various materials, including clay and faux stone. Notably, many of her larger installations, crafted from bronze, exist as public art in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The move to Singhampton marked a new chapter for Marion and her husband, Rick. Rick, a professional civil engineer and hobbyist woodworker, sought a property that would provide them with both privacy and a creative haven. “We were downsizing and had looked for a new home near our grown children,” Marion recalled. They found the perfect spot—a property with ample acreage and a beautiful woodlot. This natural sanctuary offered them the peace and inspiration they needed to nurture their artistic passions.
After renovating their home and building a new garage with an upper loft studio for Marion, as well as refurbishing a workshop for Rick, they began to transform the landscape. “We slowly raked out a meandering trail through the acres of trees and extended this path each year in order to accommodate each new artwork,” Marion said. From an initial sculpture near the patio area to several more, each piece presented a new challenge in terms of material and design. Utilizing affordable materials like concrete, steel, faux stone, and carved wood, Marion’s creations are both labour-intensive and meticulously crafted to be weather-resistant and stable.
Marion’s early career saw her artwork displayed in galleries and shows, often on a smaller scale. However, as her projects grew in size, they became commissioned works that were permanently installed as public art. Recently, Marion participated in a group show in Thornbury’s L.E. Shore Gallery, where she and four other artists, known as Fusion 5, exhibited their work. “Obviously, the scale of work on display here in the forest is far larger than can be moved and installed in galleries or faraway locations,” Marion noted.
Our Personal Experience at the Sculpture Forest
Upon arriving at the property, we parked in the conveniently marked space for visitors and were greeted by Marion Bartlett and her husband, Rick, in their driveway, just outside their beautiful studio. After a generous introduction, including a summary of their background and lifestyle, Marion guided us to the start of our sculpture forest walkthrough.
As we followed the trail through the woods, we stopped at each art piece to fully appreciate its intricacies. Marion provided us with either a background on the piece’s origin, her creative process, or a delightful anecdote that added a unique perspective to each sculpture. These moments of insight continued as we navigated paths marked ‘Main Trail’ and ventured down adjacent paths marked ‘Side Trail.’ We passed under incredible arches that served as gateways to specific sculptures and locations along the art trail. Every so often, we found a convenient and colourful bench or railing where we could take a quick break and soak in the beautiful forest surroundings.
The clear paths wove through a large portion of the forest, and their interconnected nature allowed us to chart our own course. This meant that each visit could offer a different experience. Marion mentioned that every time she walks the trail, she discovers something new, and this constant source of inspiration often leads to the creation of additional art pieces.
Our journey concluded at a clearing filled with several artworks by the edge of Marion and Rick’s home. This space was the perfect spot to end our tour, surrounded by so many of Marion’s incredible creations. One piece, in particular, caught our eye—a sculpted face staring into an ornate mirror. This reflection was not only an artistically brilliant spectacle but also symbolized our reflection of the experience through the sculpture forest as a whole. We felt enriched by Marion’s artistry and captivated by the juxtaposition of her sculptures with the natural canvas of the forest.
Our visit to the Studio 124 Singhampton Sculpture Forest was an immersive experience, perfect for art and culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. The experience is completely free and can be enjoyed at various times of the year, allowing visitors to witness the changing seasons and gain different perspectives with each visit.
We couldn’t be more thankful to Marion for taking the time to give us this magical tour of her art. The Studio 124 Singhampton Sculpture Forest is a one-of-a-kind experience and a hidden treasure in Grey County. We urge everyone to visit and experience the beauty and creativity of this wonderful place for themselves. This incredible destination makes us proud to call this area our home.
Singhampton Sculpture Forest Photo Gallery
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