From the Artist: "Our proposal for a sculptural gateway for the Children’s Expansion at the Green Bay Botanical Garden focuses on the interconnectedness of nature, growth, and life cycles. We envision Chromatic Passage is as both a physical threshold into the garden as well as a metaphorical journey into the wonders of the botanical world. The sculpture features a concentric array of planar steel frames that are vertically erected in series. The planar frames are organically contoured to create a dynamic, spiraling gesture that invites viewers to pass through the iconic gateway sculpture. The dramatic concentric composition recalls various patterns, both visible and hidden, that are found in the natural world. These include tree growth rings hidden within trunks and branches, the phyllotaxis spirals of plants and invertebrate shells, a swirling seedpod in the wind, the ripples of water caused by a fallen leaf into a pond, the variegated colors of bracket fungi, and the layered mineral deposits found within agate rock formations. The composition of the sculpture is intentionally abstracted to evoke these motifs and a myriad of other natural forms and patterns. Similarly, the planar frames are multicolored to celebrate the chromatic diversity found across nature. The form and colors of Chromatic Passage come together to create a bold gateway poetically interweaving themes of discovery, biodiversity, and whimsy."

Installation of Chromatic Passage will begin with a pre-poured concrete footing at each side of the gateway. These footings will be constructed to a 48”+ depth, at or below the frost line, and along with the sculpture will be designed in consultation with a structural engineer licensed in Wisconsin. Each side of the gateway will have CNC laser cut base plates mounted to each footing using drilled epoxy anchors and non-shrink grout below the baseplate. The material covering the base plates, as well as adjacent walkway materials, will be carefully coordinated with the Landscape Architects on the project. As noted above, the smaller rings will be installed first, with lower segments of larger rings installed on each side to later receive upper segments.