"Butterflies are self-propelled flowers." R.H. Heinlein
"Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and pleases wherever it goes." Unknown
"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Anderson
Today, we offer our final view of Gateway Gardens, one of four butterflies hovering high above the ground. In addition to the trees, many of the pieces of artwork are intended to provide shade for visitors. Each butterfly is 4' tall by 6' wide and extends 12' from the ground, attached by a round, steel tubing arm. The coloring comes from acrylic and polycarbonate. See sculptor Erik Beerbower's 2004 drawing of the four butterflies here. The drawing helps you conceptualize how the quartet looks installed in Gateway Gardens. In 2009, we featured Erik's butterflies BEFORE they took flight (here), when they were still back at Erik's Lyndon Street studio. In case you're wondering, all four of the butterfly sculptures have been sold/sponsored at the $50,000 level; so that naming opportunity has been missed. However, many others are still available through Gateway Gardens' main website under donors and opportunities. If you want to see drawings of the rest of the sculptures, enjoy them here.
Let's hope that some of our friends from around the world who visit today through Skywatch Friday or the City Daily Photo community will actually have a chance to visit Greensboro's Gateway Gardens in person. If you author one of the world's city daily photo sites, we'll make every effort to provide you with a personal tour. Just don't all (+/-) 1,500 of you come at once.... or do!
Giant butterflies for shades ... cool!
Posted by: zakton | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 06:47 AM
The butterfly is gorgeous against the sky! Great angle :-D
Posted by: Kaori | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:07 AM
that is so pretty! it reminds me of paper butterflies we made in elementary school out of black construction paper and colorful tissue paper wings!
Posted by: tanya | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Beautiful picture! It looks so colorful.
Posted by: Mridula | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Just lovely! Beautiful skies and a pretty butterfly. Happy skywatching!
Posted by: Eileen | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:25 AM
As a nearby resident of the Butterfly Capital of Alabama, I love this!
Posted by: RamblingRound | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:55 AM
How I would love to visit that garden. I think butterflies are truly beautiful. I just never have any here anymore.
Posted by: LaVoice | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Love the butterfly...great shot!
Posted by: Janis in Pa | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 09:18 AM
What a fantastic shot! I love butterflies, big or small. Are these butterflies for sale, too? It would be a great ornament for gardens.
Posted by: Inside Cambodia | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Great shot!
It feels so good to be back to blogging, to join this energizing stream of communication.
At a moment I have plans for 2 years American visa, so, butterflies, be ready!))
Posted by: Irina | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 11:57 AM
such wings surely are able to provide nothing but the good and peaceful.
please have you all a good easter weekend ahead.
daily athens
Posted by: robert | Friday, April 22, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Welcome, O butterfly! Welcome into my heart!
I WONDER WHY
I wonder why
Some love the sky
But not the wind and rain.
I wonder, friend,
If sky will end—
It’s too much for my brain!
© by Magical Mystical Teacher
http://magicalmysticalteacher.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/sacred-place/
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 07:13 AM