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Dear Friends,
In 1999 my mother created four large sculptures called "Sky Castles" for the Epcot, Disney World Flower & Garden Festival. (See photo 1) After the festival ended, she gave "Sky Castles" to Radford University. (See photo 2)
In 2021 I was told that Radford University was going to have to dispose of "Sky Castles" because of its poor physical condition and the high cost of restoring it to its original complex design and re-installation. Steve Arbury, Professor and Director of the Radford University Art Museum (now retired) explained that over the last 22 years the sun left the sculptures unprotected and for safety reasons they had to be taken down.
The following year I went to Radford University to examine the sculptures which were placed on their sides outside the Radford Campus. I spoke to Steve Arbury at Radford about the possibility of recycling the sculptures. (See last photos)
This year Steve Arbury and John Bowles, came up with a plan to have "Sky Castles" restored and placed at the Selu Conservancy (an area of land kept in its natural state, especially for wild animals and plants to live in and be protected). Selu was founded in 1989 when John Bowles donated 185 ancestral acres to Radford University. (See history of Selu below)
Ed Miller (an RU alumnus and MFA who has taught sculpture at UVA) would restore the metal parts as best as possible to make each tower physically sound again. Then have another professional artist experienced with public and community art commissions, (Nikki Pynn), who works in both 2D and 3D, repaint them.
Earlier this month I traveled to the Selu Conservancy to meet with John Bowles and Nikki Pynn to learn more about the restoration project.
I will keep you posted!
Gary
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