Sheltering Skies
2023
The Bowling Green City Park
Bowling Green, Ohio
Bowling Green City Park has a new sculpture, Sheltering Skies - 92.
A Bur Oak tree that was set for removal was reclaimed and used for a new sculpture in City Park. My team approached the City about a desire to create and install a new sculpture in City Park prior to the Arborist’s determination of the tree being removed. Their plan provided an opportunity to re-use the oak tree in creating a dome-like structure and a seating area in the center of the dome. A mosaic incorporated into the structure creates a new and unique place to take a moment to relax and reflect while visiting City Park.
My team member, Craig Hamilton, of Modified Originals, was instrumental in the design and creating of the structure. Hamilton’s background in architectural design and fabrication brought the structure to life. The heavy bur oak branches were sawed into wishbone shapes of similar size, and were arranged in such a way that the pieces interacted together to form a sturdy and stable, yet still organic structure. Heavy-duty threaded rod through bolts were employed to lock the branches together. For anchoring to the ground, the branches were drilled, filled with epoxy, and dropped down onto 3/4” rebar spikes, which were precast into 3’ deep concrete sonotube footings. 1/2”
I then created an organic star-burst mosaic design using scrap glass onto the Lexan panels that were cut to fit the curved profile of the branches. The panels were then coated with UV resistant resin. These panels were suspended inside the structure using 1/8” stainless steel aircraft cable and weather resistant crimps.
My long-time relationship with the BG Parks and Recreation Department was a key factor of this collaboration. The Parks Department was instrumental in removing the tree in a manner that allowed us to create the structure and providing the on-site infrastructure. This project allowed myself and my team to create a new and unique piece of art for the park and for our portfolio to garner future sculpture projects.
This project was partially funded by grants from the Toledo Arts Commission Accelerator Grant and an Ohio Arts Council.
