Bernheim Forest’s new 27-foot Tin Man sculpture encourages connection with nature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bernheim Forest unveiled a giant new addition to its permanent art collection on Thursday.

It's a 27-foot tall Tin Man sculpture called "Heart of the Forest," standing at the Jackson-Yoe trailhead.

Park leaders said the sculpture invites park visitors to "reflect on their connection to the natural world and to experience Bernheim's 16,342 acres of wild beauty through a new lens."

"This piece invites wonder, reflection and joy," Dr. Mark K. Wourms, president and CEO at Bernheim, said in a news release. "The Tin Man's journey from disconnection to heartfelt awareness mirrors our evolving relationship with forests; from a resource to be used, to a living system that sustains and inspires us."

"Heart of the Forest" is described as a "powerful symbol of transformation" inspired by the story of the Tin Man. The beloved character who "believed he lacked a heart but proved otherwise through acts of empathy" reminds those who view the sculpture to "take heart and to lead with emotional intelligence and compassion in our care of nature."

"Bernheim's Tin Man is more than a work of art," organizers said in a news release. "He's a symbol of what's possible when people choose care over exploitation as his axe is no longer for cutting trees, but for cutting ties with harmful habits to our environment."

Leaders said the Tin Man is nestled among newly-planted wildflowers, restored wetlands and wooded hollows.

"'Heart of the Forest' is the perfect way to invite guests into Bernheim's natural areas where the work is sited amongst beautifully mature trees in a landscape that's been carefully enhanced for both ecological health and an inclusive, accessible guests experience," Jenny Zeller, curator of Arts in Nature at Bernheim, said.

Nationally-renowned metal sculptor Bill Secunda, based in Pennsylvania, created the park's new addition. The three-time Top Tin finalist at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has earned Best in Show honors at Disney's Festival of the Masters twice. His work has been featured worldwide at locations including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the St. Louis Zoo, Disney's Epcot and Ripley's Believe It or Not museums.

The "Heart of the Forest" is part of Bernheim's permanent art collection. You can check it out daily starting at 7 a.m. until one hour before the forest closes.

To learn more about the sculpture, click here.

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