Members of the media are invited to view the installation of the sculpture “Keel” and learn more about the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens on Friday, June 13. “Keel” was built in Indonesia by Turkish artist Kamal Tufan. The sculpture will be located in a patch of upland within the marsh. A 120 ft. crane will be used to put the stones in the upland area without disturbing the marsh. The upland spot is surveyed and it is noted on all of the gardens’ approved property surveys.
About the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
In September of 2016, the Tetrault Family Foundation will debut the diverse botanical and artistic beauty of one of Florida’s most breathtaking garden parks — the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens located in Punta Gorda, FL.
A fifty million year-old stone palm frond fossil serves as the inspiration for the logo and signature sculpture for these spectacular waterfront gardens which will encompass 27 acres. Mother Nature, architectural ingenuity and contemporary interpretive art will combine to offer the largest sculpture gardens in the state of Florida.
Abutting the Peace River, this waterfront oasis will encompass the diversity of five ecosystems including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, a tidal basin and an island amphitheater. Flowering trees and plants will bloom throughout the year and more than 15,000 sq. ft. of boardwalks and docks are planned to provide optimum viewing.
Six massive sculptures from internationally renowned artists range from a 21,000 lb. steel “Palm” by Boston artist Jacob Kulin to “Ostriches” – two, 20 ft. tall human forms by Yu Zhaoyang from the People’s Republic of China to “Keel,” a massive marine structure by Turkish artist Kamal Tufan.
The Tetrault Foundation, a 501(c) (3) private foundation, will be one of the largest endowments for public botanical gardens in the state of Florida.
What/Who: Installation of the sculpture “Keel” by Turkish artist Kamal Tufan.
When: 9 a.m. – Noon on Friday, June 13, 2014
Location: 5950 Riverside Dr., Punta Gorda, FL. A crane should be highly visible at the worksite.
//www.google.com/maps/place/5950+Riverside+Dr/@26.967709,-81.988034,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88dca772e9c609eb:0x2dfa07fff188ac8f”>https://www.google.com/maps/place/5950+Riverside+Dr/@26.967709,-81.988034,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88dca772e9c609eb:0x2dfa07fff188ac8f
NOTE: This is a media-only event. Gates will only be open on Friday, June 13 between 9 a.m. and Noon and the Gardens will not be accessible prior to this date and time.
Kindly RSVP by COB Thursday, June 11 to: jennifer.huber@charlottefl.com
Media Contact:
Jennifer Huber, Public Relations Manager, Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau
Tel: 941-743-1900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”>Jennifer.Huber@charlottefl.com.
Day-of telephone: 850-228-2272