is excited to announce that local Master Balancer Adam Conard (ZOTO) will showcase his ancient art of stone balancing “Playing with Gravity” exhibition from May 16 – July 30, 2023, throughout the Garden. “This exhibit Playing with Gravity has never been seen before and we are thrilled that Adam chose the beautiful natural surroundings of McKee to showcase his amazing talent,” stated Executive Director Christine Hobart. Stacking stones is more popular, but done as an art form at the masterly level is very rare. Balancing and stacking stones is one of the rarest and most ancient art forms dating back to prehistoric origins and predates 2D cave paintings, which is considered one of the earliest art forms. This exhibition will feature both highlighted balances and surprise balances, including floating in the waterways at McKee. His balances are intended to inspire one to believe in the unbelievable. “I’ve noticed that when someone sees something they did not think was possible it unlocks for them a new way of thinking. A thinking of possibility,” stated Adam. This is a true balance; no glues or other attachments of any kind are used.
In addition, visitors will have an opportunity to attempt their own balance in a sandbox where you can try your hand at balancing.
About Adam Conard
Adam realized at a young age that he had the innate ability to look at an object and visualize its balancing point, then balance it! It wasn't until Adam was an adult and spent time traveling the world balancing that he realized this art form had a profound impact on people viewing it. Adam states that "When something you do not believe to be real, is right in front of you, it opens up your mind to human potential and to what is possible. I never feel a more primal connection to the earth and more balanced myself, then the moment a balance is made, this is a feeling of pure equilibrium".
Adam is a Master Balancer (one of very few) due to the difficulty of his balances. He has performed and exhibited his skill in many places, including the center of Times Square in NYC . He recalls "Here for a moment in the center of all this movement and chaos, there was pure balance, pure stillness and time seemed to stop". Adam has an urge to create in remote natural environments but feels the need to bring this to people so he often seeks out areas where his work will be seen, where people will be impacted such as parks, gardens, and trails. He loves balancing around waterways. For more information about Adam, visit ZOTOart.com.
About McKee Botanical Garden
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment, and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach.
