Devonian Gardens Secures Permanent Home for Tom Ward’s Carvings

A significant cultural agreement was reached on Friday as the Devonian Gardens in Calgary officially became the permanent home for 34 hand-carved wooden masks created by local craftsman Tom Ward. This decision follows a longstanding tradition of displaying Ward’s artwork, which has been a part of the gardens for over 40 years.

Tom Ward, who worked for the city during the day, dedicated much of his free time to carving faces out of pine and spruce burls in his backyard studio. Throughout his career, which spanned from the late 1960s until his passing in 1984, he crafted more than 200 unique pieces, primarily for family and friends. Although he never sold his work, Ward would lend pieces to various organizations for public enjoyment.

Formalizing a Legacy

During the ceremony, Carmen Hindson, centre city operations manager for the City of Calgary’s parks and open spaces, stated, “We were loaned these carvings based on a handshake deal that we are formalizing today.” The event was attended by many members of the Ward family, including Tom’s son, Tim Ward, who signed the formal agreement with the city.

Tim expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to secure a permanent display for his father’s work, saying, “I’m honoured to help secure the Devonian Gardens as a permanent home for these enchanting carvings for as long as the Ward family would like to have them on display.” He reminisced about spending time with his father, crafting in their backyard while sharing life lessons over drinks.

A Family Connection to Art

The Ward family first connected with the city about showcasing the carvings at the Devonian Gardens in 1986, two years after Tom’s death. Tim recalled the family’s initial reaction, saying, “The family was thrilled and humbled. We could not imagine a better venue for these to be stored and shared.”

Tim also shared memories of his youth, remembering trips outside Calgary in the winter to collect wood for his father’s projects. “I did not help him carve because you never compete with your father,” he noted. Tom was a self-taught artist, drawing inspiration from various wood carving styles, yet his unique method involved utilizing the natural knots and burls in the wood to create faces.

Tim described his father’s creative process: “He would look at a piece of wood and already see the creation he was going to make. You could watch him take the face out of that piece of wood.” The masks now displayed at the Devonian Gardens represent some of the largest pieces Tom carved, while many smaller creations were gifted to family and friends.

This agreement solidifies Tom Ward’s legacy as a cherished figure in Calgary’s artistic community, ensuring that his remarkable wood carvings will continue to inspire visitors for generations to come. The Devonian Gardens now stands as a testament to his craft, celebrating the artistry that has become an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape.