Tree of Life (sculpture)

For other sculptures with this title, see Tree of life § Sculpture.
Tree of Life
Map
Artist
Year1964 (1964)
LocationPortland, Oregon, United States
Coordinates45°34′23″N 122°43′47″W / 45.57307°N 122.72979°W / 45.57307; -122.72979

Tree of Life is an outdoor 1964 sculpture by Lee Kelly and Bonnie Bronson, with additional assistance from John Jelly and architect John Murtaugh, installed on the exterior of the University of Portland's Mehling Hall, in Portland, Oregon, United States.[1][2]

Description

Tree of Life is an abstract metal sculpture depicting of tree with stylized branches and leaves. It is made of nickel silver and stainless steel, enameled blue and green, and measures approximately 54 feet (16 m) x 5 feet (1.5 m) x 6 inches (0.15 m). The Smithsonian Institution categorizes the sculpture as an allegorical representation of life, and says the tree is a "Christian symbol of growth, fruitfulness, spiritual evolution and diversity among unity".[1]

History

The sculpture was commissioned by the University of Portland for the women's dormitory in 1964, and dedicated on November 22.[1]

Tree of Life was surveyed as part of Smithsonian's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1993.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Tree of Life, (sculpture)". Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  2. ^ Rosencranz, Alina (September 24, 2014). "Art in your own backyard". The Beacon: 8. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2018.