For instance Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo decided to establish a program for sculpture throughout the campus, or the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson, which commissions a yearly environmental sculpture on its grounds, or the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, which has established a very beneficial relationship with the city government and has spearheaded a number of temporary sculpture projects throughout the city. In addition, it seems that more institutions see the potential in their own surrounding property and begin to redefine their mission as both museum and sculpture park. On the other hand, some attempts seem to falter even before the organizations receive the slides they have requested from the artist. And other initiatives seem to fail after an immense amount of effort on the part of several individuals. I am thinking in this case of Krakamarken in Denmark, which was a very innovative place, but has just closed.
Many productive situations seem to turn on one person s vision and perseverance.
If the prime mover shifts priorities, there is often no one to take over. Cell Division, 1998. Maple saplings, 32' high, Savannah College of Art and Design. In addition, I think there is an increased interest by the general public and artists in our global environmental situation, as well as a heightened interest in neighborhood parks and personal gardens. Taken together, there seems to be more momentum for things built in the landscape.