DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Secret Owl is a site-responsive public sculpture designed to invite curiosity, touch, and long-term community engagement. Fabricated in ferro-cement, a highly durable material engineered to withstand weather, interaction, and time, the sculpture is fully tactile and can be touched and walked around safely, encouraging hands-on discovery and accessibility for a wide range of audiences.

Scaled to the height of a tall human, the owl establishes an immediate sense of relatability, allowing viewers to encounter the work at eye level. Its form balances representation with stylistic exploration, combining bold complementary colors, deep textures, and oversized eyes to create a visually engaging presence that rewards close inspection while remaining legible from a distance.

Community participation is integral to the project. The sculpture is in the process of being named through public engagement on Instagram, inviting residents of the river town of Bellevue, Kentucky, located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, to contribute directly to the artwork’s identity and sense of place.

Embedded within the sculpture is a concealed ultraviolet element. When viewed under UV light, a hidden scientific message is revealed that references owl vision, DNA, and evolutionary connections to theropod dinosaur ancestors. This layered approach introduces discovery while preserving mystery and supporting broader themes of ecological awareness and scientific curiosity.

Secret Owl reflects the use of highly durable materials ideal for exterior public art, combined with thoughtful design and a community-centered approach that fosters connection, wonder, and long-term public engagement.

Material and Durability

Ferro-cement is a long-lasting composite material valued for its strength, weather resistance, and ability to support rich surface texture. The sculpture is designed for direct public interaction, making it well suited for high-traffic civic and community environments.