The sculpture created from white pine, with channels gilded in 28-caret gold leaf, frames the view of the prairie and in the distance the lake.

“I started these larger sculpture projects in 1998 with a 32-foot curving tree, which I made into what is called torii in Japan. Toriis mark the entrance to special places … Everything in the form connects people to the land and sky. Sometimes we think of nature as separate from ourselves, but, of course we are not separate and this sculpture is a happy reminder of that fact…I am very pleased that it will be in Dayton and honor Jean Woodhull who has consistently insisted on connecting the city to the river, to the trees, and to the prairie. — Herb Ferris

This piece was given to Possum Creek MetroPark in appreciation of Jean Woodhull, for her love for the prairie and dedication to keeping greenspaces open. From her children Victoria Partin, Anne Woodhull, Sara Woodhull, and Jay Woodhull.

The artist Herb Farris was born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1944. He studied at both Yale and Indiana University. He began creating sculptures in 1990s, and has artwork in 13 states, Washington D.C. and Nova Scotia.