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The Cahoon Museum’s new drive-by exhibition, Garden Grove, features colorful sculptures by Cape artist Alfred Glover. The exhibition is part of the Museum’s ongoing Streetside series and remains on view throughout the year.

Garden Grove consists of a series of whimsical “trees” with giant ginkgo and philodendron leaves that are inhabited by baby birds in blue nests, spotted dogs, exotic flowers, and other creative creatures. The artworks are clearly visible from the street along Route 28 in Cotuit.

A lifelong artist and Cataumet resident, Glover is well known to regional audiences for his fanciful, enchanting sculptures created in wood and metal. His inspiration comes from exotic flora and fauna he has seen on his international travels, as well as stories and memories from his childhood. Two of his espalier trees, on view by the Museum’s front door, were inspired by time spent in Rockport Maine when he was a small child, fascinated by wrought iron espalier frames he saw on antique buildings.

“Most of these works on display at the Museum have stories,” Glover explains. “Some are inspired by my childhood; others emerge as I work on the pieces. Sometimes the animals inspire me after the work is finished.” One of the pieces on view illustrates the story of a spotted dog who travels on an adventure that leads him from the ground all the way up to a bird nest at the top of the tree.

The aluminum sculptures are constructed using metal from old fuel tanks that Glover purchases and recycles. The artist uses a band saw to cut organic, curvilinear shapes and then welds the forms together. He colors the sculptures using highly durable etching primer -which eats into the aluminum- or old-fashioned sign paint, which is available in a vibrant palette of colors and stands up to outdoor weather without fading.

As a working artist for over four decades, Glover’s artwork has taken many forms, always with his signature joyful take on nature. Most recently he has been working on metal trees, trellises, and garden gates. His sculpture is widely collected and exhibited in museums and botanical gardens throughout the East Coast.