When Air Becomes Sky - CODAworx

When Air Becomes Sky

Submitted by Dharmesh Patel

Client: Arts Council of Fort Worth

Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States

Completion date: 2020

Artwork budget: $140,000

Project Team

Artist, Fabricator

Dharmesh Patel

Animalis Works, LLC

Project Mange

Michelle Richardson

Fort Worth Arts Council

Overview

“When Air Becomes Sky” makes reference to the height at which monarchs fly while migrating. The groups of butterflies called kaleidoscopes begin close to the ground in the air, and when then fly to migrate they disappear into the sky . Monarchs soar between 800-1200 feet in the air, but have been seen at altitudes up to 11,000 feet. We are unable to see them with the naked eye beyond 300 feet. This stop along the migration route becomes a special feature of the park for guests to witness. In the 250 acre park there are two locations of butterfly sculptures, both made of stainless steel and glass crystals.

Goals

The Project Core Team, composed of community stakeholders, discussed their interest in artwork that invited exploration both within the park and of its history. They shared a desire for work that was not only visually pleasing but also functional, providing an amenity that would be engaging to families. Considering the vast, open area of the park, the Project Core Team suggests a series of pieces spread out to accommodate the number of visitors.