Client: San Jose Arts Commission

Overview

Sculptures cast rainbows on passerby, inviting playful engagement. Inspired by the childhood tradition of making wishes on dandelion seed heads, these 13′ h sculptures are fantastical flowers, “Wishing Wands” that twinkle in the sunlight, casting rainbows below. Sparking the imagination and fostering creative play, the sculptures are beloved by children who gather to play amidst the rainbows together, “catching” the rainbows cast by multiple crystals.

Goals

Designed to foster playful engagement regardless of physical mobility, three 13' h sculptures are sited in a public park. AS with many Wowhaus commissions, our goal was to create timeless artwork that appeals especially to children without appearing explicitly "childlike"; this artwork engages people of all ages and physical abilities, fostering a sense of joy and wonder.

Process

Fostering a sense of ownership in the artwork, Wowhaus engaged diverse community members, including children, in dialogue during the design phase. We then also invited children and their parents to make wishes on each of the crystals incorporated into the sculpture, prior to fabrication. Wowhaus collaborated closely with fabricators, structural engineer and Parks Department in realizing this commission.