Artist Creates Living Ship at Savannah Maritime Museum

Topiary artist Michael P. Gibson is installing a new living sculpture at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Botany

Gouache-painted illustration of a large ship-shaped boxwood topiary in a historic garden, representing a new living art installation. — Topiary artist Michael P. Gibson is installing 'The Voyage,' a living sculpture modeled after the historic SS Savannah, at the city's Maritime Museum. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Topiary artist Michael P. Gibson began work in October 2026 on a new living art installation at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in Savannah. Titled The Voyage, the project honors the historic journey of the SS Savannah steamship.

Why it matters

The installation serves as both a historical tribute to maritime history and a metaphorical reflection on the journey of life. It utilizes the Gibson Method, a specialized technique that integrates geometric principles, symbolism, and narrative storytelling.

The project represents a milestone in the career of Michael P. Gibson, who has completed over 700 living sculptures during his 33 years in the field. He uses precise garden shears to manipulate greenery into complex sculpted waves.

The players

Michael P. Gibson

A veteran topiary artist with over three decades of experience creating living sculptures.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

A Savannah-based institution dedicated to maritime history located at the historic Scarbrough House.

The details

The installation at the Scarbrough House grounds depicts the journey of the SS Savannah using sculpted greenery. By utilizing the Gibson Method, the artist transforms organic material into a symbolic representation of travel and discovery.

Michael P. Gibson has worked as a topiary artist for 33 years.
The first cut for the installation was completed in October 2026.
The installation is scheduled to debut in May 2027.

The Big Picture

The installation extends the legacy of the SS Savannah steamship journey by interpreting its historical significance through living art. This work contributes to the evolving field of site-specific horticultural installations that blend regional history with botanical sculpture.

Residents and visitors to Savannah can expect the installation to provide a new aesthetic feature at the historic Scarbrough House grounds. The upcoming debut in May 2027 will offer the public opportunities to engage with the artist through workshops and educational programming.

The takeaway

Large-scale topiary requires decades of expertise and precise geometric planning to maintain structural integrity. Implementing such projects in public spaces often serves as a focal point for community engagement and historical education.