“Cat’s Face Revival” Dedicated Sept. 23

"Cat's Face Revival" mosaic tree by Reham Aarti to be dedicated Sept. 23
at Boise Foothills Learning Center

A permanent sculpture by Boise artist Reham Aarti called "Cat's Face Revival" will be dedicated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Road. The sculpture, called "Cat's Face Revival," is located in the Native Plant Garden to the south of the Center. The piece is made of steel, concrete, ceramic and glass mosaic tile and represents the element of fire. The first sculpture installed at the Center, "Aero Agoseris" by Mark Baltes, represents air. Future sculptures around the Center will depict water and earth.

This artwork is made possible by a donation from the Thompson family to honor the memory of their mother Mary Anne Thompson. Because of her love of nature, many friends and family members have contributed funds to the Foothills Learning Center for this and other projects to benefit future generations of Idahoans.

A "catface" is a term used to describe an old wound on a tree trunk that closes over as it heals. Fire is a common cause of such tree injuries. The tree that the artist represents was a once mighty tree that has been burned. It now springs with new life as plants and animals metaphorically take root in the foundation of the old burned trunk. The artist's concept for this sculpture grew from her observation that fire is a strong force for change in nature and that new life comes forward in the spaces left after a fire. It is a colorful, interactive artwork that features many native plant and animal species depicted in carefully cut mosaic tiles.

The Foothills Learning Center, which is operated by Boise Parks & Recreation, focuses on education and information about the Boise foothills and the surrounding high-desert environment. It is a place for learning by direct experience with the outdoors.

This art project is a partnership between Boise Parks & Recreation and the Department of Arts & History. The artwork is part of Boise City's public art collection of over 100 works throughout Boise. Boise's public art program engages citizens and artists in the design of our built environment and increases the unique character of the City.