DES MOINES – One of the biggest sculptures at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden was reinstalled on Wednesday.
Spectral Liberation is a 29-foot tall, rainbow-hued stainless steel sculpture. It was damaged during a March 2017 accident by an alleged drunk driver.
The Conservation Center in Chicago led the restoration efforts. The artist, Christiane T. Martens, was also engaged in the process. Chicago-based Vector Custom Fabricating, the original fabricator of the sculpture, recreated damaged pieces and Des Moines-based Scotty’s Body Shop painted and refinished them. U.S. Erectors of Pleasant Hill, Iowa will put the sculpture back into place.
Originally installed in 1984, it was donated by the Belin Family in memory of Des Moines civic leader Constance (Connie) Belin.
“The reinstallation of Spectral Liberation makes the entrance to the Garden feel complete once again,” said President and CEO Stephanie Jutila.”Its return marks the beginning of our growing season and all the exciting things to come for the Botanical Garden this year.”