Public Art: Seed Sower and Seed

Inspired by the fragile paper art of Japanese Origami, these bronze sculptures were created by three artists working together. Nature also works together in inspiring ways, such as in the relationship between a squirrel and the tree providing its food and shelter. In return, the squirrel helps pollinate and distribute the tree’s seeds.

Acorns, which have long been a symbol of Warrenville, are seeds representing hope, potential, and growth for the future, while carrying within them the strength and history of the tree from which they came. City Historian Leone Schmidt, for whom this park was named, was like a seed sower, ensuring that Warrenville’s stories are remembered and celebrated connecting our past with the promise of our future. 

Look for three bronze origami acorns scattered in this park!

Reflecting on Warrenville’s past, present, and future, the Seed Sower was named Journey by the 3rd grade class at St. Irene School (2017-18)  

About the Art:

Seed Sower, 2017

By Kevin Box with origami by Michael G. LaFosse

Box Studio LLC, New Mexico

Patinated and Painted Cast Bronze

Location: Leone Schmidt Heritage Park, corner of Warrenville Road and Second Street

Seed, 2017

By Kevin Box with origami by Beth Moore Johnson

Box Studio LLC, New Mexico

Patinated and Painted Cast Bronze

Location: Leone Schmidt Heritage Park, corner of Warrenville Road and Second Street

About the artist:

Kevin Box, who currently lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has translated the fragile paper art of Japanese Origami into metal sculpture by collaborating with artists Michael G. LaFosse (Seed Sower) and Beth Johnson (Seed), who first folded each form from uncut paper. The Morton Arboretum, in nearby Lisle IL, featured this work in a celebrated exhibition in 2017 entitled Origami in the Garden. This solo exhibition told the story of the Japanese art form of folding paper through a collection of monumental outdoor sculptures and has been making its way across North American botanical gardens since 2013. It was at this exhibit that the Warrenville’s Tourism and Art Commission members were introduced to Kevin Box’s work, which has received numerous awards and is held in prominent collections world-wide. In 2004, he was the youngest member ever elected to the National Sculptors’ Guild and was recognized by Southwest Art Magazine as one of the “Top 21 Artists Under 31.” He has placed more than 20 works of art in public spaces and is represented by fine art galleries across North America. Website: outsidetheboxstudio.com

“Origami presents a simple metaphor; we all start with a blank page –what we do with it is up to us, and the possibilities are endless.” –Artist Kevin Box 

Warrenville Tourism and Arts Commission 2018