Devonian Gardens Becomes Permanent Home for Tom Ward’s Iconic Wood Carvings in Calgary

For more than four decades, visitors walking through the lush indoor pathways of Devonian Gardens have encountered mysterious carved faces peering from the knots of wood nestled among plants and greenery. These striking artworks are the creations of beloved local craftsperson Tom Ward, whose unique pieces have quietly become part of the character and identity of one of Calgary’s most cherished public spaces.

More than 30 of Ward’s wood carvings have been displayed in the gardens since the mid-1980s, capturing the curiosity of generations of visitors. Their expressive faces, carved directly into natural wood knots, appear almost alive among the foliage, blending art and nature in a way that feels perfectly suited to the peaceful environment of the indoor park.

The carvings first arrived at the gardens in 1986 through a simple agreement based on trust and goodwill. Rather than selling his work, Ward preferred to share it with the community. His pieces were often loaned to organizations and public places so people could enjoy them freely. That spirit of generosity helped bring his artwork to Devonian Gardens, where they have remained ever since.

Now, decades later, the City of Calgary and the Ward family have formalized that original arrangement. On March 6, officials and family members signed an agreement ensuring that the carvings will remain permanently displayed at Devonian Gardens, securing the legacy of the local artist for future generations.

For Ward’s family, the decision carries deep emotional meaning. His son, Tim Ward, says the family always hoped the carvings would remain accessible to the public rather than stored away or placed in private collections.

Tom Ward was far more than a hobbyist. Over the course of his life he created nearly 200 carved masks using pine and spruce burls gathered from the forests of Alberta, particularly the Jumping Pound region. Each knot of wood contained a natural pattern that inspired the shape of the face he would carve from it.

Wood carving was only one of Ward’s creative passions. After serving during the Second World War, he spent time recovering in England, where he first learned needlepoint. That introduction sparked a lifelong interest in crafts. Over time he expanded into rug making and eventually taught himself the art of wood carving, which became his signature form of expression.

During his professional career, Ward worked in the planning department for City of Calgary and later helped lead the city’s first bylaw enforcement office. Despite his demanding job, he dedicated countless hours to his creative pursuits.

Behind his Calgary home, Ward built a small outdoor studio that doubled as a gathering place for neighbours and friends. At the centre of the studio stood a large fireplace, where he would carve for hours each week, often spending 10 to 20 hours shaping the wood into expressive faces.

Finding the right wood was part of the adventure. Ward obtained special permission from forestry officials to collect dead or diseased trees that contained the knots he needed. Many of these trips took place during Alberta’s harsh winters, when frozen ground made otherwise swampy forest areas accessible.

The process often became a family effort. Ward and his children would venture into the cold forests, cut sections of wood containing promising knots, and haul them back to their vehicle before returning home to the studio where the transformation would begin.

Those who watched him work often described the carving process as almost magical. According to his son, Ward would examine a piece of wood and already imagine the face hidden inside it. With patience and careful cuts, the shape would slowly emerge as if being revealed rather than created.

Beyond his artistic skill, Ward was known for his generosity and community spirit. He frequently shared his knowledge with others interested in carving and welcomed people into his studio to talk, learn, and enjoy the warmth of the fire while he worked.

Because of his love for nature, the family believes the setting of Devonian Gardens is the ideal home for his work. Surrounded by trees, plants, and natural light, the carvings seem to belong in the environment, reflecting Ward’s own connection to the outdoors.

Today, visitors strolling through the gardens may notice the carved faces quietly watching from the wood around them. Each one represents a moment of inspiration captured decades ago by a Calgary artist who believed that art should be shared with everyone.

With the new agreement in place, Tom Ward’s creations will continue to greet visitors for many years to come, preserving a small but meaningful piece of Calgary’s cultural history inside one of the city’s most beloved indoor parks.