The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden Brings Kensington Neighbors Together

A mural of the Virgin Mary hung up at the garden's entrance on Nov. 3, 2024.

By Ashley Green and Kajsa Morse

The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden is filled with a collection of unique visionary designs that bring life to the once trashed, empty lot. Since 2015, founder Pedro Ospina has used a combination of food, art, and entertainment to create a safe haven for community members and promote unity within Norris Square. 

“This was seven abandoned lots, all full of trash and basically the idea was to clean the space up and actually use the same trash to create sculptures to make the space,” said Ospina. “I’ve just been adding to it [in] different ways and each year making something new and the idea is really to share food and get together.”

One way Ospina gets the community together is by holding biweekly potlucks. In November, the garden hosted a celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday, Dia De Los Muertos, to pay homage to loved ones who have passed away.

“Today I put my brother, Corey, on the altar and that felt really special,” said Marcy Morris, an attendee at the event. “Also just to collectively pay respects to our ancestors and collectively to everyone who is remembered today.”

Community members placing down floral offerings at the altar for Dia De Los Muertos on Nov. 3, 2024. 

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