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." 

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).

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.

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.

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.