“Turning Flower” by James Surls at Communities Foundation of Texas on Caruth Haven
“Turning Flower,” a modern sculpture made of pine and steel, may be new to the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) lawn, but it has a long, independent history.
Texas-based artist James Surls created the piece in 1980 for Linda and Bob Buford, who lived in Tyler at the time. They donated the piece to the Texas Trees Foundation (formerly known as the Dallas Parks Foundation) “with the understanding that it would remain on display at Turtle Creek Park and be maintained by the City of Dallas,” according to an announcement from CFT. Since it was outdoors, “Turning Flower” naturally suffered some damage. Problem is, the city couldn’t pay for the restoration. But the Texas Trees Foundation was determined to maintain its promise to the Bufords.
In 2015, the organization “arranged for Surls to refurbish” the artwork. The Board of Trustees of the Texas Trees Foundation then gave “Turning Flower” to CFT, which is better equipped to care for the piece.
Bobby B. Lyle, a CFT trustee and — perhaps not so coincidentally? — the chairman of the Texas Trees Foundation says, “This beautiful sculpture will stand in a prominent place as a symbol of how our community can grow stronger and come together to improve the lives of people from all walks of life.”
