GARDEN SCULPTURE

It’s beyond regrettable that “Garden Portals” at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will be on view only through Sept. 15. This stunning ceramic wall sculpture is by internationally recognized Miami-based artist Lauren Shapiro.

Exquisitely sited at the entrance to the Tropical Plant Conservatory and Rare Plant House, it depicts archways graced by native and tropical plants. Highlighting Fairchild’s role in nurturing South Florida’s fragile biodiversity, it could inspire countless educational programs.

“Garden Portals” was created with assistance from community workshops, in which Shapiro helped participants mold replicas of these plants from wet clay. The result celebrates an exceptional artistic vision and local contributions to a remarkable artwork that absolutely belongs here.

As a Fairchild Garden member and art critic, I urge Fairchild to purchase “Garden Portals” for our community.

– Elisa Turner, Coral Gables