From the City of Sugar Land:
“Whose Leaf is Ever Green” sculptures blend art and functionality in Sugar Land parks.
Artist Carol May, of May + Watkins, recently unveiled the second and third installations of the city’s Civic Arts sculpture series, “Whose Leaf is Ever Green,” in Brazos River Park. Inspired by the timeless poetry of Emily Dickinson and drawing imagery from the resilient oak trees of eastern Fort Bend County, these sculptures ingeniously double as benches, providing both artistry and functionality to the public spaces of Sugar Land.
Named after an Emily Dickinson poem, “Whose Leaf is Ever Green” features two sculptures with silver-topped leaves, reflecting the sky above. The large bench, enveloped in shades of green on the inside, is accompanied by a translucent blue-green disk in either cast glass or 3form KODA XT. The intention behind this creation is to offer seating and a shaded oasis for pedestrians and cyclists traversing the park.
According to May + Watkins: “We loosely based our forms on leaf imagery, abstracting the design to craft a comforting sculpture that shelters visitors from the elements and provides a place to rest. The bench is constructed with stainless steel and aluminum plate materials, ensuring durability and resistance to rust. Its surface is powder-coated with a UV barrier, protecting it from the sun.”
One distinctive feature of the sculpture is a leaf partition that divides the bench into two sides, each displaying a unique combination of colors and shapes. Visitors are encouraged to explore the experience by sitting on both sides, engaging with the art in a personal and interactive manner.
Sugar Land Civic Arts Manager, Sha Davis, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “The continuation of functional art installations around the City of Sugar Land serves as a way to push art into the everyday function of our incredible city. These incredible pieces are proving that not only can art enhance the natural beauty of Sugar Land but also serve a greater purpose.”
The “Whose Leaf is Ever Green” series exemplifies the intersection of art and utility, creating an immersive experience for park-goers while adding to the aesthetic charm of Sugar Land. As the city embraces the marriage of art and functionality, May + Watkins’ sculptures stand as a testament to the transformative power of public art.
About May + Watkins
Carol May is the founder and principal of May & Watkins Design. Over a five decade professional arts career, she has been at the forefront of functional public art creation, children’s museum design and playground innovation. Working with a small team of dedicated in-house artisans and engineers in our dedicated facility in the Hudson Valley of New York she is dedicated to bringing fine art to the public in an approachable and integrated manner.
https://maywatkinsdesign.com/
About Sugar Land Civic Arts
Sugar Land Civic Arts (SLCAD) aims to foster a vibrant artistic community that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Through collaborations with artists, community members, and cultural institutions, Sugar Land Civic Arts is committed to shaping Sugar Land into a flourishing arts destination.
