Bernheim's Sculpture Collection
Mr. Bernheim intended that Bernheim be the setting for all that is wonderous
in nature and wanted art to be included. Throughout the Arboretum you
will see pieces of sculpture as well as environmental art pieces created
by several of our Artists-in-Residence. Some of the environmental art
is ephemeral and will disappear with time. |
 |
 |
|
Let There Be Light
This elegant bronze statue of a woman with uplifted arms by George
Grey Barnard is mounted on a granite base at the gravesite of Mr.
and Mrs. Isaac W. Bernheim. She stands above a stone semi-circular
water pool and is flanked by granite pylons representing the Jewish
and Christian religions. A bronze plaque is mounted at ground level
at the base of the stairs that lead up to the statue - it reads:
"May light, the symbol of life and truth, illumine the paths
of good citizenship and reason, and tolerance and fairness guide
our relationship with our fellow men." |
 |
| Untitled
This stone sculpture by artist Paul Fields is mounted on a granite
base along the main road near the Sun and Shade Trail. This piece
blends well aesthetically, and the "finishing of it on site" makes
it a very special site-specific sculpture. The Bernheim staff
fondly call this sculpture “The Snail“. |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Untitled
This new "blossom" form sculpture by Paul Fields was dedicated on November 16, 2003 in honor of his mother, and donated to Bernheim by his family. It sits on the new Lake Nevin Loop Trail just off the main drive into Bernheim. |
|
|
Hymn to Justice
Located on Tablet Hill near the main entrance to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Hymn to Justice is a large bronze plaque mounted on a stone wall.
It reads:
"God of justice, save the people from the clash of race and creed, from the strife of class and friction. Make our nation free indeed. Keep our faith in simple manhood strong as when her life began till it finds its full fruition in the brotherhood of man." - William Pierson Merrill |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Sundial
Alongside the Visitor's Center, a bronze sundial is mounted on a stone pedestal in a water pool surrounded by a fountain. This sculpture was donated in memory of Hattie May Berman (1/31/1905 - 6/9/1977). |
|
| |
Cradle
Located beside Lake Nevin near the Quiet Garden is a rust-colored metal "cradle" sculpted by Louisville artist Thomas Busch and donated to Bernheim by Al and Vicki Mattox. |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Cluster III
Ernest Shaw created this 3-piece sculpture in Cor-Ten steel. Nestled in the Holly Collection, the pieces form three points of a triangle. |
|
| |
Emerging
By Kentucky sculptor Meg White is prominently located by the Silos below the Visitor's Center. The sculpture was donated by Dr. Varley E. Wiedeman in memory of ornithologist, fellow faculty member at U of L, and former Bernheim board member, Dr. Burt Monroe. |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Our Precious Forest
1998 Artist-in-Residence, Karl Ciesluk, created numerous works of art throughout Bernheim. The pieces are scattered throughout the forest and arboretum to become delights of discovery as you explore Bernheim. This piece, composed of tiny mirrored squares, glitters on the edge of the forest on the eastern side of the meadow. |
|
| |
Endless
Also by Karl Ciesluk, located in the Magruder Picnic Area. A large, sandstone boulder carved with many hands and coated with tempera for permanency. |
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Stricken
Another work by Karl Ciesluk, located near the Kingfisher Pool behind the Education Center. Karl took advantage of the fact that the old cherry tree had to be taken down and instead created his art piece from the remaining trunk after the tree was topped. Its mirrored bolt quickly catches the eye on a sunny day. |
|
