"Known for its vibrant colors and playful motion, the pinwheel—or whirligig—is a familiar sight in celebrations, gardens, and childhood memories around the world. Its elegantly simple design, with curved vanes catching the wind and spinning around a center point, has existed for centuries, making it a universally recognized and cherished object."

"Across cultures, the pinwheel holds symbolic meaning. In the United States, it often appears in Fourth of July parades, evoking nostalgia and patriotism. In China, it is a part of Lunar New Year traditions, where wishes written on pinwheels are carried by the wind into the universe. Elsewhere, pinwheels are placed at gravesites, representing the freedom of the spirit. This deep connection to joy, remembrance, and renewal makes the pinwheel a meaningful and dynamic subject for a large-scale public sculpture."

"Roanoke, known as the “Magic City,” is a place that embraces creativity and fun—making the pinwheel a perfect fit. Enlarging it to monumental proportions will amplify its whimsy and joyfulness, turning an everyday object into an interactive and engaging experience. I intend for the sculpture to be fully functional, allowing it to move with the wind and transform into a kinetic piece of art."

"Erected high outdoors, the pinwheel will harness the power of the wind, creating a mesmerizing wave of color and motion. In this way, the wind itself becomes part of the sculpture, reinforcing its connection to nature and the surrounding environment. Symbolically, the pinwheel represents resilience and continuity—as long as the wind blows, it spins, mirroring the rhythm of life itself."

"Beyond its playful nature, the pinwheel also signifies innovation. The same basic principles that allow it to spin are the foundation of weathervanes and windmills, which harness wind energy as a renewable resource. This intersection of creativity, nature, and sustainability makes the pinwheel an ideal representation of Roanoke’s forward-thinking and artistic community. Additionally, the design will feature five points, paying homage to the city’s iconic Mill Mountain Star."

Through this installation, Sorhage hopes to create a space that invites joy, wonder, and connection—offering a moment of delight for people of all ages while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Roanoke.

About the artist:
Maya Sorhage earned a BFA in animation with a minor in game design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her animations and sculptures feature whimsical, lighthearted narratives, populated by characters who try their best but don’t always get it right. As a sculptor and multimedia artist, Sorhage’s practice is rooted in capturing joy through nostalgic memories that keep childhood magic alive in everyday life. Rather than offering an escape from reality, her work highlights the joy already present within it—bringing those moments to the forefront and celebrating them. Nature also plays a vital role in her work, whether through materials, location, or inspiration. Maya believes in the importance of stepping outside, breathing fresh air, and grounding ourselves in the present. She is driven to create work that fosters interaction, play, and curiosity—bringing sculptures into public spaces to spread joy and infuse a sense of wonder into the everyday. Check out her website at ​msorhage.wixsite.com

Sourced from:
The artist's statement.