TITLE:

Golden Squirrel’s Wondrous World

ARTIST:

Michael Stutz

LOCATION:

Empire Avenue & Butler Market Road & 27th Street

YEAR INSTALLED:

2023

“This sculpture playfully celebrates the region’s connection to nature, and the familiar routine of peoples’ daily lives,” said Michael Stutz. Golden Squirrel’s Wondrous World woven steel wheel connects the timber mills from Bend’s past, the rolling wheels of cars, and a hamster wheel— humorously representing the routine of daily life. Inside the wheel are silicon bronze strips in blue and green hues where the sunlight will sparkle through the openings. The circle of life center curves out like a partial globe, evoking the waters of the Deschutes River and our blue Earth. Atop the 24 ft. sculpture is a playful golden squirrel offering a striking presence above the traffic signs and cars at this busy roundabout.

Stutz created his first sculpture designing and building large figures for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. He also worked in San Francisco as a display artist and prop builder for the film and fashion industry.

He began his journey as a public artist creating temporary recycled cardboard installations. His first permanent public sculpture, Pneumatic Dreamer, was for the W Hotel in San Francisco. Since then, he has completed several public commissions throughout the United States.

This sculpture is made of steel and bronze by Michael Stutz who lives in California.