UNDER HER WING WAS THE UNIVERSE

A prairie, a pavilion, and a universe of stars

CONCEPT STATEMENT : Under Her Wing was the Universe creates a 2.5 acre native prairie landscape comprised of grasses, flowers, and trees. Within the habitat lies a large-scale sculptural pavilion that shelters visitors and invites them to escape into daydreams and possibility. During the day, viewers can experience the work as a sculpture large enough to envelope us whole. During the night, viewers will delight in a thousand stars overhead. It is my goal to create a place on the edge of downtown Enid that awes and inspires and attracts: an outdoor sanctuary for hometown folks to find a newness within their community, as well as an entry-point destination for visitors to discover what makes Enid special. This is contemporary Oklahoma art which nudges us to look forward into the abyss of potential while also encouraging us to hold dear the place from where we come. The concept is driven by intergenerational relationships, encouraging recognition of those who have influenced our individual understanding of how we relate to humanity and how we connect with the world around us.

The wing was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic. These women helped make the ribbon cutting ceremony special.

THE PRAIRIE

PRAIRIE RESTORATION IN PROGRESS : Reclaiming 2.5 acres from a Bermuda grass covered, packed clay, overflow parking lot in flood plain which used to house brick and concrete machine shops, to a pocket prairie doesn’t happen overnight. On site, there are currently more than 100 developing perennial plants putting down roots on the prairie. Additionally, many native species have volunteered on site. As any dedicated gardener knows, transforming a landscape takes time. There is a saying that accompanies such transformation: Sleep, Creep, Leap. This means that in a first year of growth, a plant barely changes above soil, as if it’s sleeping, really focusing all growth on establishing a durable root system. In the second year, there are signs of growth above the surface, as the plant creeps into maturity. Then in year three, the plants leap into action. Right now, the prairie might seem unkempt, but everything growing is serving a purpose. While this transition is taking place, visitors can enjoy watching the process. Ultimately, the north side of the sparkle sidewalk will be a wildflower meadow and the south side of the sparkle sidewalk will be native grasses and shrubs. Patience is required through this process. (The City of Enid has chosen to undo the work of the prairie because it was too difficult for the city to maintain.)

ON SITE INFORMATION SIGNS

At the north and east entrances to the wing, there are signs. Both signs are 4’ x 4’, double-sided, and backlit.

MAPS OF THE UNIVERSE

One of the project perks for donors was to name a star or a constellation or a galaxy or a solar system, depending on the amount of the contribution. In total, there are 1152 named stars, dozens of constellations, thirteen galaxies, and six solar systems. Each map details a specific galaxy with a key to locate that galaxy in the universe.

PROJECT PRESS

Sponsors:
Anonymous | troy phillips

The Bert and Janice Mackie Family ENDOWMENT | pace - Public Art Commission of Enid
park avenue thrift

Enid Arts Council | Leah Jones | John Martin | Christy and Scott Northcutt

COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
CDSA’s Youth Build | City of Enid parkS department
Main Street Enid | Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

IN KIND SUPPORT:
ATELIER | eagle concrete | kline sign | Obelisk Engineering

COPPERHEAD COATING | ENVIROTECH ENGINEERING | HP ENGINEERING

ALVARADO’S QUALITY SERVICE | AW BRUEGGEMANN CO | BYRUM ELECTRIC | LISBETH COIMAN | CREATIVE ARTS ENID
HERC RENTALS | Johnston Seed Company | COREY KELLER | THE KILLDEERS | Klemme Construction | ANGIE LAPAGLIA
LEAP COFFEE ROASTERS | skylark av | THE SPOT | TURPIN THEATRE | VZD’S | WAKELAND