Discover ANCHORBALL: A Vibrant Art Journey This Summer

A whimsical scene featuring a large, colorful sculpture of a woman's head blowing bubble gum, surrounded by flowers. Two animated characters, one in camouflage and the other in blue with red accents, pose nearby.

The Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey happens this summer at the Royal Botanical Gardens, a massive exhibition featuring 18 large-scale Pop Art sculptures.

A large colorful sculpture of a toucan walking in an urban setting, with modern buildings in the background and people strolling nearby.

Anchorball is the internationally known professional nickname of Ken Kelleher, an American contemporary sculptor and artist known for creating monumental public art, installations, and digital art (Tommy Toucan, above, in Shanghai is one example, more here).

A person with short hair wearing a black t-shirt with colorful graphic designs, standing in front of a vibrant, abstract mural featuring various cartoon-like faces and shapes. — Portrait: Anchorball (Ken Kelleher)

Featuring monumental sculptures ranging up to 12 feet tall, the exhibition introduces visitors to an evolving fictional universe populated by playful and mythical characters. Visitors can also discover a hidden digital world using augmented reality, extending the experience beyond the visible landscape and inviting moments of surprise, play, and exploration throughout the garden, RBG says.

Aerial view of a landscaped garden featuring pathways, trees, and flower beds, surrounded by lush greenery. — Aerial view, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington

At RBG in Burlington (June 20-Sept 20, 2026) , the outdoor show transforms the garden into a vivid sculptural landscape where bold characters, imaginative narratives, and contemporary form merge with nature and blooms to create a world that feels full of wonder.

More information: https://www.rbg.ca/events/anchorball-a-curious-art-journey/

Anchorball on Instagram, here.

Ken Kelleher’s website, here.