The Dawes Arboretum is the temporary home of six massive sculptures.
Artists The Myth Makers have created some truly awesome bamboo bird sculptures, some standing over 20 feet tall. Called Avian Avatars, the sculptures were specifically created for The Dawes Arboretum by Myth Makers artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, where they’ll remain on view through Spring 2023.
The sculptures are made from natural materials, including bamboo, which means that they will slowly be reclaimed by nature over the course of the exhibit.
“The Myth Makers are inspiring artists, and we could not be more thrilled to welcome their work to The Arboretum,” said Luke Messinger, Executive Director for The Dawes Arboretum. “These sculptures are the first of their kind on our grounds and we are excited for guests to see them among our beautiful landscapes.”
Each sculpture represents a different local bird and the sculptures will all have their own historical backstory.
- “Love Long Last” is a pair of Northern Cardinals representing The Arboretum’s founders
- “Bertie’s Peacock” is a peacock representing Bertie Dawes’ passion for the magnificent bird
- “The Gentleman” is an Eastern Bluebird in honor of Beman’s Great-Grandfather, Manasseh Cutler and his love of trees
- “Towering” is a Sandhill Crane representing the iconic Columbus artist Ann Hamilton
- “The Great Owl” is a Great Horned Owl that acknowledges the original inhabitants of this landscape and the significance of the panoramic views surrounding the Arboretum.
Dodson and Moerlein have worked on over 50 projects together over the years, earning national awards and recognition along the way.
“The Avian Avatars we are preparing for The Dawes Arboretum are for The Arboretum,” Dodson said. “Andy and I look at the entire community when we are gathering inspiration. Anyone who sees our work at The Dawes Arboretum will recognize each bird from their own story. They will know these sculptures aren’t just a passing installation—they will know they are meant to be there.”
The exhibit opens to the public on Friday, May 27. Tickets to The Dawes Arboretum are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-15, and free for kids under 5. For more information, you can visit dawesarb.org.
