Nature Connects... the Lego Sculptures at the North Carolina Arboretum

This morning we went to see the Lego sculptures that have been placed throughout the gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum. We went early enough that it was pleasant to take a walk on our favorite trail before following the map to locate the 13 art installations.

Of course, I took pictures of all of them, but won't show them all to you, because perhaps you will get to the NCA before 10/23/16 so that you can see them for yourself. The artist is Sean Kenney and this is actually the second time that the Arboretum has hosted some of his work. Unfortunately we missed it last time, so it was a high priority to see it this time around. If you google his name, you can see some other examples of his sculptures and I was surprised to note that he currently has 7 different displays which are concurrently enjoying time in 7 different gardens.

It's impossible to pick a favorite, but I would have to say I was quite taken by this little exhibit, which was actually the last of the sculptures that we saw this morning. I guess it just reminded me of the visitors at our bird feeder on our back deck. You might have to enlarge the picture to see that the picket fence is indeed constructed of Lego blocks and the tan bird seeds are little Lego blocks.

 And of course the blue jays and squirrels are in their typical poses and amazingly in scale with one another.

And who could not be awed by the bald eagle, poised high on his perch in all his majesty.

Of course the nice clear "Carolina blue" sky is also a wonderful backdrop!

 Each of the sculptures was accompanied by a nice sign that told how many blocks were used to create it and also related the sculpture to it's location on the campus.

The grey sundial in the pond is a working sculpture and cast it's shadow at this morning's time.

 Praying mantis posed for us!
And I think that snake has found his dinner.

We saw some real workers gardening, but this lady gardener is made of Legos.

And there was even a Lego roto tiller!

I'll leave you with this beautiful monarch butterfly enjoying the milkweed flower. The blocks give the flower a really pixilated look!

The North Carolina Arboretum is always a special place to visit. There is a gallery inside which always has some sort of interesting display (this time it is exquisite watercolors of great detail and local interest) and in the other building, the Education Building, there is always some sort of art on display and usually some fabric art and quilts. But one thing that I noticed today, was that there were many parents and grandparents accompanied by their children and grand children in the garden... I think the Legos are a nice intergenerational connection as well as a nature connection.

Well done, Sean Kenney, and thanks to the local sponsors who make a wonderful community resource all the better!