Medicine Wheel
Medicine Wheel
- Creator: Marianne Konvalinka, Lynn Fraley
- Date: 2014
- Location: Foothills Learning Center
- Types: sculpture (visual work)
- Materials: bronze (metal), stone (rock)
- Collection: Site-Based Works
This monument to earth is tucked away in a grove of trees, a quiet hidden space, and is discovered by following a path through native vegetation. Stone pillars call out the entries, as does a change in paving from the gravel paths to flagstone. Upon entering the space a circle becomes visible, as does a central stone pillar. Atop the pillar are bronze sculptures of items symbolic of the area- a great horned owl feather, symbolizing wisdom, honoring the owls living nearby and the element of air; a piece of bone to represent the creatures that call the foothills home and the element earth; a charred piece of wood to represent the fires that have such an impact on the land and the element fire; a Meadowlark egg to represent the full cycle of the seasons around the medicine wheel. There is a shallow basin in the center of the rock to catch water as well as space for visitors to interact with the sculpture by leaving their own offerings- perhaps a sprig of sage or an arrowleaf balsamroot flower. Tucked under a tree is a bench so visitors can rest, listen to birdsong and enjoy the space.
