This weekend, Pinecrest Gardens is set to debut its first-ever ‘Avian Oasis’ exhibit, a series of captivating bird sculptures standing up to a staggering 30 feet tall, taking over the gardens’ lush landscapes.
The exhibition is comprised of six bamboo-crafted sculptures, blending art, history and nature. Crafted by the world-renowned The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein, each piece unveils a rich tapestry of Miami’s past, from a 15-foot-tall Macaw at the entrance honoring the historic Parrot Jungle and its founder Franz Scherr, to a 30-foot-tall Sandhill Crane commemorating the late Sidney Poitier.
“We’ve always been fascinated by the intertwining of myth and nature,” said Dodson and Moerlein in a release. “‘Avian Oasis’ represents the heartbeats of Miami’s storied past, each bird singing tales of legends and heroes.”
Additionally, a playful 25-foot-tall Peacock inspired by Julia DeForest Tuttle, the “Mother of Miami,” and a 25-foot-tall Eastern Screech Owl nestled within the Banyan Grove pays respect to the Indigenous peoples, while a 15-foot-tall Painted Bunting near the Inspiration Center celebrates Maurice A. Ferré, the revered modern-day Father of Miami.
Each piece is made from bamboo, which is sourced from members of the American Bamboo Society. The Myth Makers, who have completed over 50 projects in 13 years, enhance each sculpture with whimsical elements and splashes of color using repurposed and recycled materials. To create the sculptures for this project, the duo worked in residence at Gardenship, a unique arts incubator in Newark, NJ.
“This exhibition marks a monumental moment in Pinecrest Gardens’ 20-year history as we invite guests to connect deeply with each avian story,” said Cristina Blanco, executive director of Pinecrest Gardens.
Beyond mere observation, the ‘Avian Oasis’ is an interactive experience. Children can wander through the Peacock’s tail maze or participate in a scavenger hunt, while adults find solace under the sculptures, creating lasting memories.
Avian Oasis will take over Pinecrest Gardens beginning Saturday, November 18, through May 23, 2024. Tickets for the exhibit will be available soon, but you can find out more on Pinecrest Gardens’ website here.