Harmony of Rivers

Close-up of a rusted bronze sculpture of a heron with wings extended, set outdoors near a sidewalk with a street and houses in the background.

Client: City of Avondale

Location: Avondale, Arizona

Year Completed: 2024

Budget: $75,000

Media / Materials: Kinetic public sculpture; welded aluminum armature, fiberglass-reinforced concrete, EPS foam core, mechanical components

Description:

Harmony of Rivers is a large-scale kinetic public sculpture commissioned by the City of Avondale that explores the interconnectedness of waterways, ecosystems, and community life in the Sonoran Desert region. The circular form represents continuity and balance, while subtle rotational movement introduces a dynamic response to wind and environmental conditions.

The sculpture combines engineered structure with expressive, hand-applied concrete surfaces to create an organic sense of flow. A central heron figure serves as a symbolic steward of water, reinforcing themes of environmental responsibility and shared natural resources. Designed for durability and public interaction, the work functions as both a civic landmark and a contemplative gathering point within the surrounding landscape.