Building Upon Nature

Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO® Bricks opens May 27.

By Margs Cook, Communication Specialist

grounds, they will be greeted by a giant monarch butterfly, a gorgeous lily, a huge hummingbird pollinating a flower and nearly a dozen more delightful creations.

“We are delighted to bring this unique and playful exhibit to the Holden Arboretum and hope that folks will have fun exploring the grounds to find all 14 nature-inspired sculptures,” said Beth Kelly, Director of Guest Experience. “While many of artist Sean Kenney’s creations will stand out because of their enormous size or gravity-defying shapes, some will require keener observation skills!”

Sean Kenney is an award-winning artist who uses LEGO pieces as a medium for contemporary sculpture, portraiture and commercial art. He is recognized as one of the leading experts in the field and is a founding member of several global programs that aim to encourage and support this emerging art form.

Just as LEGO pieces interconnect, everything in nature is in a delicate balance. The narrative that accompanies the intricate displays will remind visitors of the importance of conservation, the balance of ecosystems, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world.

“We created sculptures that have thin flower petals, insect wings or antennae and legs. Making these giant sculptures sturdy enough was one of the biggest challenges I faced,” said Kenney. Balancing the delicate wispiness of nature with the sturdiness that’s required was quite a feat!”

Millions of people have visited Kenney’s exhibitions, he has authored nine children’s books and The LEGO Group collaborated with him as an official partner for 14 years. Kenney’s work has been acclaimed by The New York Times, PBS Arts, BBC Arts and Vogue, and he continues to create every day at his studio in Amsterdam.

Explore the beauty and wonder of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO ® Bricks, open Tuesdays through Sundays to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a limited engagement through September 4. Tickets are available to purchase ahead of time at holdenfg.org, or at the Holden Arboretum.

Meet The Staff

Margaret Cook is the Communications Specialist for Holden Forests & Gardens. She focuses on creating and sharing visitation and mission-related content through social media and public relations. Margaret graduated from the University of Dayton with a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. She grew up going to the Cleveland Botanical Garden with her family and has always had a passion for exploring and protecting the outdoors.