How can I find the sculptures?

Directions to The South Carolina Botanical Garden and each sculpture are available on The Garden's website at www.clemson.edu/scbg. Also, while visiting the Garden, maps locating the sculpture sites can be obtained and at the Fran Hanson Discover Center. The Discovery Center is open Monday - Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm - 5pm. Guided tours are avaiable through advanced reservation only. Tours of the sculptures are available. For more details and to make a reservation call Christine Drais at 864-656-6205 or email her.

Why aren't there signs identifying and interpreting each piece?

While it may be easier to find the pieces if they were clearly marked, the sculpture program does not intend to present works in a traditional Òquick findÓ gallery fashion. As a 300 public garden with approximately half of its acreage designated as a nature preserve, the majority of participating artists and program administrators agree that the sculptures should be discovered, Òhappened uponÓ, to accentuate their presentation in a natural setting. Consequently, there are no signs to guide one to a sculpture site. Locating sculptures must be done either with a pioneering spirit, with the assistance of a map or by reserving a tour. Lastly, since each individualÕs experience of a work ascribes its meaning or purpose, there is no need for Interpreting the artistÕs intent. The only commentary offered is the Artist Statements located on the ArtistÕs page.

How are the sculptures maintained?

The Garden staff collaborates with community volunteers to maintain the original intent of each sculpture throughout its lifespan. Most natural elements of a work degrade relatively slowly. Such decline is most often accepted as a natural part of the works maturation. Whenever there is significant decline in a work, the artists input is solicited. By far, human impact is the most significant maintenance issue.

What is the human impact on the sculptures?
As a public garden, many people visit each day and human impact is accumulative. When visiting the sculpture sites, please keep in mind that it is the sculptural space that is intended to be visited. It is important that these original creative works be honored and respected by not climbing on the structures.

How do sculptures mature?

Every consideration is given to sustain as much of the original sculpture and the artistÕs original vision as possible. Program administrators consult with the creating artist when any major decision needs to be made concerning the future of a work. In some cases, works are altered to bolster longevity. In others, they are allowed to naturally decay and return to the earth without interruption. On occasions, major elements of a sculpture are removed when the natural integrity is lost. If the various elements decline and grow with timely integration, the plant materials will evolve into a sustainable Òliving impressionÓ of the artistÕs original proposition. However, sometimes element integration is not timely. At such junctures, it is necessary to determine whether or not the remaining elements can be nurtured to recovery or whether they can no longer sustain the artistÕs original vision. When the latter is determined, the remaining elements will either be removed or left as a possible foundation for a future artist.