Sparky the Sea Lion

Created for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Summer of Sparky, this hand-painted sea lion sculpture was part of a public art campaign celebrating the return of the beloved Sparky Sea Lion Show and the opening of Como Harbor. Twenty-one six-foot-tall Sparky sculptures, each painted by a local artist, were installed at landmarks throughout the Twin Cities, using art to share stories about water and ocean conservation.

For my Sparky, I used sweeping organic forms and metallic color to transform the sculpture into something playful, fluid, and reflective of the movement of water. I loved the opportunity to work beyond a wall and explore how public art can invite curiosity while connecting people to a larger environmental story.