​Ron Benner & Jeff Thomas – Corn = Life: The Power of Naming

Ron Benner and Jeff Thomas
Corn = Life: The Power of NamingCurated by Yuluo Wei

June 23 – October 26, 2024

Public Opening Reception: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 2 – 4pm
Location: 248 Steelcase Rd. E, Markham (Free onsite parking)

​Industrial Arts Sculpture Garden 2024 presents a unique fusion of two artists’ visions that interweaves living native plants with evocative historical imagery. Curated by Yuluo Wei and presented by Steelcase Art Projects, this artwork is a tribute to Indigenous peoples’ agricultural and cultural heritage.

At its heart lies a striking white-purple trellis, an homage to the 1613 Two Row Treaty–a foundational agreement between Dutch settlers and Thomas’ Haudenosaunee ancestors. Benner plants a rich tapestry of culturally significant native American plants and corn, including varieties Peruvian Purple Maize, Mandan Bride, Assiniboian Flint, and Iroquoian Rainbow, which grow to embrace the structure. These are accompanied by tomatoes, chilli peppers, marigolds, sunflowers and many others, creating a rich flora that honours its Indigenous origins.

Jeff Thomas’ photographs connect deeply with Ron Benner’s garden and serve as personal and collective contemplation on the environmental and societal ramifications of broken promises. The Two Row Treaty symbolizes mutual recognition and autonomy. Reflecting this spirit, both artists contribute to the garden with a sense of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Throughout the summer, the garden has blossomed into an abundance of flowers and edible plants. Join us for an unforgettable community gathering at Ron Benner and Jeff Thomas’ renowned photographic and garden installation. Benner will host a lively Corn Roast, offering delicious roasted corn on the cob, generously topped with butter, salt, Mexican chili powder, and a splash of fresh lime juice.

This uniqueevent blends elements of sculpture, installation, and performance art. Attendees will experience Benner’s iconic roving corn-roasting wagon, Maiz Barbacoa.

Corn Roast
Monday, September 30, 2024, 11am – 1pm
The event is free and all are welcome