Base: 17’-8”’’ h. x 16’-6” dia. at base Elephant sculptures: 42”h. x ±30” x ±24”
Commissioned by the Friends of Goodale Park as a gift to the City of Columbus
Columbus, OH
Goodale Park Fountain, one of Columbus’ oldest parks, was established in 1851. Early photographs reveal that there have been vertical, rockwork fountains in the park for nearly all its existence. (The most recent one, a simple conical mound, was removed in 1995.) Year-round operation has been a significant aspect of these water features, and images of them in winter capture wonderful, naturally occurring ice formations.
The historic Sells “Circus House” sits at the northwest corner of the park. In the late 1800s the Sells Brothers’ Circus was renowned for its troupe of elephants. My research on historic fountains turned up numerous images of fish, dolphins, turtles, snakes, and other creatures spouting water—none of which naturally emit streams of water. Elephants do. The park gazebo is a frequent site for weddings, and the fountain may also be seen as a tiered cake with pachyderm cake-toppers.
Recipient: Americans for the Arts 2014 Public Art Network Year in Review Award
