Magic Grove

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Magic Grove
ArtistNancy Metz White
Year2006
Typepainted steel
LocationEnderis Playfield, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinates43°4′16.967″N 88°0′4.656″W / 43.07137972°N 88.00129333°W / 43.07137972; -88.00129333
OwnerCity of Milwaukee

Magic Grove is a public art work by artist Nancy Metz White. It is located in Enderis Playfield, which is northwest of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[1] It was installed in November 2006 and dedicated in May 2007.[2]

Description[edit]

Magic Grove consists of three brightly painted trees made of salvaged metal, a brick walkway and artist-designed benches. The trunks of the trees are made of steel plate, and the canopies are a collage of reclaimed forge flashings painted in greens, blues, reds and yellows. The flashings are welded to create a smooth surface across each tree canopy, interrupted occasionally by orange bird forms that jut vertically and perpendicularly from the top of each sculpture. The three trees are set into a circular plaza that is bright blue. Green and blue benches of varied sizes and heights surround the work.

Commissioning process[edit]

The project received funding initially through the Milwaukee Arts Board as part of a larger, two-year effort to renovate a recreational park managed by the Milwaukee Public Schools. Several neighborhood associations, local businesses and the Department of Public Works partnered to implement the renovation.[3] The Enderis Park Neighborhood Association president said that partners "wanted a piece of art in the park to be the exclamation point on our joint effort." Neighbors and White collaborated to raise funds for the sculpture.[4][5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gould, Whitney (27 May 2007). "Neighbors help park bloom anew: Enderis among Mayor's Urban Design winners". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  2. ^ Higgins, Jim (June 14, 2019). "Remembering the late artist Nancy Metz White, who made playful steel giants in Enderis Playfield and near Miller Park". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Enderis Park Neighborhood Receives Grant". Official Website of the City of Milwaukee. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  4. ^ Ziegler, Jerry (24 February 2008). "At home, in the park: Enderis residents take pride in community". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  5. ^ Cameron, Bruce (April 2008). "Magic Grove in the neighborhood park". APWA Reporter.