Client: MNCPPC/PG

Overview

The Butterfly Tree is grounded in the historical strength of the community It emblematically rises from the seeds once planted in the community garden where the Tech/Rec Complex now stands. The Butterfly Tree like the butterfly and caterpillar will be forever in metamorphous…changing in the light of the sun and the seasons. The tree stands in a special garden planted by community members that creates a habitat for migrating butterflies. One hundred butterflies were released at the dedication ceremony. The Butterfly Tree symbolizes the beautiful, enriched, and evolving lives of the community.

Goals

The Southern Regional Tech/Rec Complex is a technology oriented public recreational facility. The public art for this complex is designed to engage the patrons, provide a sense of community, invite contemplation, live in sync with the natural world and be respectful of the building's design.

Process

The artist worked in collaboration with the Yvonne T. Johnson, AIA , NCARB
Design and Construction Manager- Architecture, Alec Simpson, Coordinator for Public Art from the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, Prince George County and ART Research Enterprises to insure the successful completion of the project. At the beginning of the design phase the artist meet with community members to learn their desires and expectation for the art. It was from this meeting that the artist developed the concept and design of The Butterfly Tree. Scale models were created by the artist and used for fabrication of the sculpture. The artist and the staff at ART Research Enterprises worked hand-in-hand during the fabrication. ART Research Enterprises coordinated the transporting of the oversized tree with the trucking company and the Highway departments of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Installation was a smooth operation with the site preparation done by the artist, the supervision and coordination with the crane company and the hands on of ART Research Enterprises staff in the removal of the sculpture from the truck and installation at the site.

Additional Information

Location: Southern Regional Tech/Rec Complex, Fort Washington, MD. Materials: Stainless Steel Dimensions: 27'H x 22'W x 16'D