Sculpture Guide: Prickly Pear
August 18, 2015
Prickly Pear
By Charles Ringer
2004
Location: Front of the building
An imaginative steel sculptor, Charles Ringer found his inspiration for this sculpture while walking through the Beartooth Mountains in Montana and stepping on a prickly pear cactus plant. Originally made of shiny polished steel, the piece was purposely exposed to environmental elements to rust into a warm red color, blending into its natural surroundings. Known for his kinetic sculptures, Ringer used geometric shapes welded at angles to imply a sense of movement and growth in the plant.
Charles Ringer (b. 1948). Prickly Pear, 2004. Steel H 60 x 56 W inches. Gift of Howard and Lili Ann Camden. 5.05
Written By
Nancy McClure
Nancy now does Grants & Foundations Relations for the Center of the West's Development Department, but was formerly the Content Producer for the Center's Public Relations Department, where her work included writing and updating website content, publicizing events, copy editing, working with images, and producing the e-newsletter Western Wire. Her current job is seeking and applying for funding from government grants and private foundations. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, reading, flower gardening, and playing the flute.
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