"Garden Song" Birdbath on Display for InBloom Sculpture Exhibit at OakBrook Center in Oak Brook, IL

Here are pictures of my finished birdbath sculpture taken at the In Bloom Sculpture Event exhibit preview celebration on May 19, 2011 at OakBrook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois. It was a sunny day so the high gloss finish reflected a lot of light.

"Garden Song" birdbath in its garden setting at OakBrook Center.

 

 Hey, I'm Alice in Wonderland! I can be both smaller and taller than the birdbath!

Actual height of birdbath is 5 ft.

Here it is with the sign and coordinating flowers.

Enlarged sign. Thanks again, Sharpie!

Location at OakBrook Center in front of Victoria's Secret. Photo taken in evening.

"Garden Song" will be on display through August 21. It will be auctioned off on September 24, 2011 with other sculptures for charity. 

I'd like to thank my brother, Greg Gaura, for providing transportation and his invaluable help in loading and unloading the sculpture. Also, thanks to my sister, Anne Marie Gaura, my brother-in-law, Lou Shirley, and my boyfriend, Chris Holbert, for all their help.

Birdbath Sculpture Last Day in Art Studio

I should say last day in the garage. Because of the 48" base petal and heavy weight, I decided that was the best place for it. When I started working on it in early April, there were days when I had to wear a winter coat, gloves and long johns to stay warm. I had tried space heaters but they kept blowing a fuse with the necessary lights. When I finished it it early May, it was warm out and a few windless days I could actually open the garage door to paint.

The bottom tier is glossy because I varnished it before it was lowered to the floor. I haven't seen the sculpture since it was dropped off to be clear coated. Next time I see it, it will be on display at the InBloom exhibit in OakBrook Center and I'll be able to take pictures of it at a distance. 

So here's how the birdbath looked when I finished painting it:

Birdbath for In Bloom Public Art Exhibit

Over the years, I found out about public art exhibits to paint fiberglass statues (like Chicago's Cows on Parade) but it was always too late or too faraway to participate. So when I got an email inviting me to apply to the In Bloom exhibit, I jumped at the idea. In Bloom is the theme of a sculptural art exhibit whose proceeds go to help a local nonprofit organization, HCS Family Services. They serve individuals and families of southeast Dupage County in Illinois with a food pantry, financial assistance in times of need, and programs that empower people and help them move towards self-sufficiency.

The In Bloom exhibit will be held this May–September at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois. It features garden sculptures that will be auctioned off in September. I will be exhibiting a 5 ft. birdbath that will be painted in vibrant flowing colors. My sponsor for this exhibit is Sharpie. In upcoming posts I will be detailing the creative progress of this sculptural piece. The following pictures show the fiberglass form in its original state: