Ann Moeller | Studio 271
Harmony of Rivers
By Kae Partida
Ann Moeller’s journey to creating her latest public art piece, Harmony of Rivers, began with a nationwide call from Avondale, Arizona, for a water-themed sculpture to adorn the exterior of their fire station. The piece needed to be viewable from all angles and captivating from the street. Rising to the challenge, Ann designed a dynamic kinetic sculpture—a work that embodies movement, balance, and artistic ingenuity.
The sculpture stands 16 feet tall and reflects the natural beauty of Tres Rios, a unique wetland area near Avondale. Its central feature is a ring formed by three interwoven waves, symbolizing the region’s three rivers. Two koi fish swim along these waves, while a heron perches above, spinning freely as though suspended mid-flight. The elements come together to highlight the interconnectedness of nature’s cycles.
The creative process was as complex as the final piece is breathtaking. Ann sketched the initial design, which was transformed into a 3D rendering by Gaijin. The project progressed to a series of smaller models and scans, leading to critical adjustments in design to accommodate the budget. Emmie Mayne played a pivotal role, overseeing the ring fabrication at JL Troupe, Inc. and working with engineers to resolve structural challenges. These efforts ensured the sculpture’s feasibility and integrity.
Shape Fidelity generously donated their scanning services, capturing detailed scans of Ann’s clay models for enlargement. A small scan of the heron was used to create a 3D-printed version in carbon fiber, forming a lightweight yet strong armature beneath the fiberglass and concrete sculpture. This process allowed for precision and durability in the final structure while maintaining the delicate artistic details Ann envisioned.
The engineering component required precision and expertise. Ann collaborated with ASR Engineering and Oasis Engineering to create the technical diagrams necessary for safety and stability. The base of the sculpture was constructed with an EPS foam armature reinforced with cement and fiberglass. Inside the foam shell, a steel structure embedded in a 1000 lb cement pillar, anchored the sculpture, ensuring durability against environmental elements. The exterior was sculpted with meticulous detail, using a lathe and fiberglass reinforced concrete. Ann added her artistic touch by hand-molding intricate details into the cement before applying a bronze-like finish and a protective seal.
Ann faced the unique challenge of assembling the sculpture for the first time on-site in Avondale. With assistance from Stafford Crane Group and a rented all-terrain scissor lift, the components were carefully installed using a crane. Over the course of seven intense days, Ann worked tirelessly to complete the finishing touches, painting the piece and sealing it for long-term preservation.
The result is a mesmerizing sculpture that spins gracefully in the wind. The ring rotates independently, while the heron appears to glide effortlessly within the structure, creating an illusion of dynamic harmony.
Ann’s success with Harmony of Rivers is a testament to the support and collaboration of her community, family, and friends. Her fellow artists, David Nuttall, Marc Steenbergh, and Mike Williams, at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, assisted her with problem-solving and physically loading the piece onto the shipping truck bound for Avondale. Her assistant Tiffany Hawkins worked many hours mixing and sculpting concrete waves alongside her. This shared effort highlights the strong network of creativity and camaraderie that surrounds her.
Ann Moeller’s Artistic Legacy
Although Ann is best known for her oil paintings, Harmony of Rivers highlights her versatility as a sculptor. Her public art pieces, including a notable painting at Huntsville City Hall, showcase her ability to capture the essence of a place through her work. Whether diving into the depths of oil painting or scaling the heights of kinetic sculpture, Ann continues to push artistic boundaries.
Through countless hours of work, collaboration, and problem-solving, Ann’s vision for Harmony of Rivers has come to life. Now standing tall in Avondale, the sculpture invites viewers to reflect on the fluidity and interconnectedness of nature. It’s a remarkable achievement—a blend of art and engineering that celebrates the beauty of movement and unity.
