For this temporary art installation (from 2022-2026) lilac blossoms covered the porch ceiling of the Erma Hayman House. I made these out of mylar and chipboard and hung them from chicken wire (thank you Kristen Hill for the suggestion!). A giant lilac is in the main gallery. Made with large branches John found near the river, the blossoms here are also mylar and chipboard. Outdoors, purple metal lilac blossoms look like they’re escaping out the windows. Ken McCall created these blossoms out of aluminum.
Why the lilacs? Erma grew a lot of things and there’s a beautiful lilac growing near the corner of the house. During the construction work, everyone from city staff to contractors to neighbors were concerned about this purple lilac plant and who was watering it. To me that really demonstrates a strong sense of community.
Find out more about Erma Hayman and the Erma Hayman house at ErmaHaymanHouse.org.
I also created a corresponding wall mural installation for the main gallery. View that here.
