New Growth Forest

These whimsical carved stone and wood sculptures depict various natural elements of the surrounding Chattahoochee River landscape, installed as vignettes throughout the library. Working with the architects and the design team, the artist placed artwork to invite visitors’ exploration of the facility, much like a nature walk.

More than 75% of the materials used by the artist were recycled from the site including construction palettes and waste. Sections of the large oak trees, which were too old to be salvaged and stood on the land before this library was constructed, were also re-purposed into parts of the sculptures as a commemorative gesture of honor. The artist imagined plants and animals, displaced by construction, slowly returning to a new growth forest, their presence bringing the natural setting indoors.

Condon actively involved community children and families in the project through an educational workshop for children at Chattahoochee Nature Center, which included a presentation from naturalists on area wildlife, hands-on activity drawing wildlife, an artist talk, and an opportunity to engage the artist and learn about his process.