The Screaming Heads of Midlothian Castle
By Michelle Mahoney
If you find yourself in Muskoka, looking for a different kind of experience, take a trip to Midlothian Castle in Burk’s Falls. Just 30 minutes from Huntsville, this artist’s residence and sculpture garden is definitely a place to see, especially if you’re drawn to the unusual.
There are no giant signs guiding you to the entrance, and if you didn’t know it was there you could easily drive right by. That is, unless you happened to spot the 20-foot-high stone faces screaming through the trees. It sounds sinister, but it isn’t. Turn into the property and you’ll be instantly transported into artist Peter Camani’s enchanted world, where nature and art come together in a strange and magical way.
An Artist’s Vision
It all began with the renovation of an old farmhouse, which became a work of art in itself. Now known as Midlothian Castle, after the road it sits on, the structure features towers and arches shaped like giant faces, a fire breathing dragon and a massive gate designed to look like a spider’s web. Although visitors can only catch a glimpse of the castle (it’s a private home), they are invited to explore the surrounding acres.
The property winds across wild fields, natural ponds and forested areas. Ever evolving, this outdoor gallery includes over 100 sculptures, set against a backdrop that changes with the seasons. As you wander, you’ll come face to face with massive concrete heads that appear to be screaming as they rise from the ground. Some have hands. Others are more ghostlike. There are also horses, trees and other stone structures, many of them etched with words. The longer you look, the more you notice. Although some might find the experience a little eerie, the landscape is so serene that it feels more mysterious than scary. It’s been said that Camani’s work expresses a concern for the way people are treating the planet, and that the faces are screaming to make us listen.
Art, Nature and Friendly People
Screaming Heads is free to visit. There are no parking fees and no flashy gift shop waiting at the end. Instead, there’s a small tent with souvenirs and a donation box for those who wish to give. When my family and I visited in July, there was also a little organic market with food grown onsite. While checking out the souvenirs, we had the chance to chat with Cameo, one of the neighbours who helps run the property. She was warm and welcoming, happy to share more about the artist, his home and the story behind this surreal sanctuary.
