When I began thinking about the design I would submit for the open call to artists to create a  sculpture for the pollinator garden, I immediately started delving into the history of the area. For  those who know my work, you are undoubtedly aware that I like to equate the past with the present and infuse my pieces with symbols to advance the story. I thought about the history of this area and  about the Native American tribes who lived here; in particular, the Cherokee tribe. My goal was to  create a narrative by using Native American symbols that remind me of Mount Holly as it is today. For instance, there are the combined symbols of the sun and the great spirit which (in that  combination) means happiness. Mount Holly’s vibe is happy. You can see it in the Community  Garden. Happiness comes from sharing a good yield with people less fortunate. The combined  symbol of the sun and the Great Spirit is found along the edge of her dress. (1) 

Atop her head is a crown of sorts that first and foremost combines the symbols for morning noon  and night with the feathers of the red-tailed hawk. The red-tailed hawk is very important to the  Cherokee and is said to be a protector spirit. I superimposed the tail feathers over the symbols for  morning, noon, and night because I know it is very important to the city to protect the river and  spectacular nature as they do every day. (2) Behind the feathers are blue triangles that represent  teepees and are the symbol for home. (3) There are 7 circles with blue glass. The number 7 is the  number of perfection, security, safety and rest. To the Cherokee it also represents the 7 clans but  also means the height of purity and sacredness. In the bible, 7 is the number of completeness and  achievement. Throughout the world, 7 is an important number. In this case, it is encompassing all of  the above. This is a call for meditation on what our community volunteers continue to achieve in  order to create a place for all to thrive. (4) Below this arc of 7, is an arc of 5. For me, 5 is crucial as it represents the freedom to pursue that which fills your heart with purposeful joy and bliss. Five is a  doing number representing faith in action, having a mindful connection to the synergy of  the forces of nature. All one needs to do is look around at the beautiful garden to know joy and  bliss. (5) 

On the stems of the flowers, is the Native American symbol for a river. This is similar to symbols  used in all cultures and, for me, is one of the symbols I used to represent unity among all. Rivers  symbolize life, freedom, and the passage of time. I look at Mount Holly’s efforts to protect the  environment along the river as well as to protect the history even in our buildings downtown. The  Mount Holly logo has a similar feel with it’s winding river cascading from the M breathing new life  into an ancient symbol. Again, a perfect metaphor for the efforts of our community to move  forward like the river but also honor the past. (6) 

At the bottom of her robe is the Cherokee Medicine Wheel which is a symbol I love and have used  extensively in my work. The colors are black, white, red, and yellow. According to the Hopi Tribe,  this symbol equates the four original races of the earth with the 4 elements; all are needed to retain  

balance. They also represent the cardinal points, the winds, and the seasons. Not only the seasons in  nature but the seasons in our lives. Again, the river flows forward but we can learn so much from  our past.(7) 

The colors I used reflect the colors in the garden itself. I purposely steered away from colors that do  not attract bees and chose those that bees seem to prefer. Happily, I also enjoy choosing colors 

based on their meaning. Purple is a color of royalty, yellow is happiness and sunlight, green is the  color of the heart chakra, blue represents the sky, the sea, imagination, and expansiveness. These  colors combined speak to me of following your bliss and allowing yourself to dream big. (8) 

Lastly, I thought about the people of Mount Holly: I thought about the mayor, the city council, and  our city government and how they are continually working to make Mount Holly something special. I thought about the people who volunteer on the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation and how they work tirelessly to make the city better. I thought about our Farmer’s  Market and our educational apiary. I thought about the business owners who have become friends  and collaborators. I thought about the joy I get at the community garden. It kept going on and on.  Each volunteer in this community respecting nature and each other. This was an incredibly inspiring  moment for me. After much conversation and searching, I finally found the symbol for the heart of  this sculpture that is perfect. It means Willingness to Support Your Community as all of these  people and others do on a daily basis. The beauty of this symbol is that it’s a bee. (9) 

The overall meaning of The Spirit of the River is that together, we can create heaven on earth. When  your heart is open. Anything is possible.

Dates to Remember

• Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Mount Holly Historical Society open to visitors www.mounthollynchistoricalsociety.org
• Visit our home page for a link to all City of Mount Holly special events