Celestial Falls draws inspiration from the natural beauty, community spirit, and historical significance of Donelson. The artwork is composed of three key elements: flora/fauna, landmass, and waterfall/river, each reflecting different aspects of the local environment and heritage. The design engages viewers from three distinct perspectives: looking up from the first floor, looking out from the second floor, and viewing from the building's exterior.
On the second floor, the sculpture features a chromed landscape with animals and plants native to Tennessee, resting on a sculpted landmass. Elements like the Tulip Poplar, historically significant to Native Americans and pioneers, are incorporated to emphasize local context. This whimsical scene on the children’s floor creates a playful, larger-than-life landscape, with plants ranging from 1’ to 7’4” in height. The chrome-on-chrome effect offers an interactive "finder’s game" for children, while the blue gradient rods mimic a waterfall, visually connecting the second floor to the river components on the first floor.
Externally, the sculpture measures approximately 28 feet long and 17 feet high, offering a striking visual experience. It comprises 590 waves and rods, 18 large-scale flowers, 12 animals, and a massive landmass. The waves in the water formation represent the Cumberland River, a historic and iconic landmark. The concept of individual waves merging to form a larger body of water symbolizes the unity of Donelson’s residents. The reflective surface on the landmass’s bottom creates an infinity loop effect, adding visual height and reflecting the sky and light from the windows back onto viewers below.
Throughout the two-year project, I served as the lead sculptor with Amber Lelli Art as the primary fabricator. I successfully brought together a local team and raised over $175,000 in in-kind donations. Additionally, 98% of the labor was sourced from Davidson County, underscoring the project's commitment to local engagement and support. Collaboration involved Metro Arts, Messer Construction, Hastings Architecture, Capital Projects, and RBA Structural Engineers, among others.
Celestial Falls is designed as a timeless and elegant addition to the library, capturing Donelson’s community spirit, green spaces, and history. It also represents the library's LEED Gold Certification, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation and sustainability for future generations.
Process:
After receiving the commission, I began by engaging with city council members, Metro Arts, and Library representatives to connect with the Donelson community through events such as the Hip Donelson Farmer’s Market, Donelson Branch Library’s Family Story Time, and McGavock High School art classes. The feedback and interactions from these activities shaped the design of a sculpture that celebrates the outdoors while reflecting community and historical themes.
Once the design was finalized, I worked closely with a digital artist to produce detailed renderings and C.A.D. fabrication files. The project required extensive collaboration with Metro Arts, Messer Construction, Hastings Architecture, Capital Projects, and RBA Structural Engineers. This multi-faceted coordination was crucial for integrating the sculpture’s structural, lighting, and installation needs into the ongoing construction of the new library over a two-year period.
As the lead sculptor and with Amber Lelli Art as the primary fabricator, I assembled a team of skilled fabricators to assist in the creation of the sculpture. The project involved five distinct fabrication processes, each requiring different materials and team members. The final sculpture comprised 590 waves and rods, 18 large-scale flowers, and 12 animals, along with complex engineering and a cantilever design that showcased both artistic and structural ingenuity.
The teamwork and detailed craftsmanship involved in sculpting and assembling this massive piece highlighted the intricate nature of the project and the successful integration of art and engineering.
Amber Lelli Art Team/Thank You To:
Andy Akers, Dan Spomer, Alan and Andree LeQuire, Elizabeth Cave, Nashville Machine - Alan Green, Frank Canale, and JB, Nashville CNC - Aaron Lamb and Rhett, Nabholtz - Rodney Hogle and team, Nikia Crumby, Clint and Sharmon Thompson, Micki Cavanah - Reeds Gold Leaf, Hunter and Mark Gilbert + Team at E.E.P, Cindy - Endless Edge, Rod Gentry, Alison Underwood, Cat LeMaster, Bennett LeMaster, Meredith Edmondson, Rachel Bartek, Blain Steiner, Heather Johnson, Amanda Phillips, Darling Laser, German Rojas, Stephen Hutchins, Andy Harding, Bob Locknar, Built by Omo, Hamilton May, Dave Clark, The Forge Makerspace, Alex Kimball, Esther, Keavy, Martica, Caleb Smith, Lelli Family, Collier Family, Wolcott Family, Jacob Holloway from RBA, Jesse Ross, Jessica Ingram, Anne-Leslie Owens.
