Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation installs “Bison & Calf” sculpture by Dominic Benhura in Central Park

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) installed a new sculpture in Central Park. The sculpture, titled “Bison & Calf,” was created by artist Dominic Benhura of Zimbabwe.

Benhura is an internationally renowned sculptor whose artwork is known for exploring themes of family, the natural environment, and the relationship between them. Another of Benhura’s sculptures, titled “Swing Me Higher, Mama,” was installed in Carmel in 2022, located on the southeast corner of the intersection at Main Street and Veterans Way.

“This piece for Central Park is a sculpture of a mother bison and her calf,” Parks & Recreation Director Michael Klitzing said. “Historically, bison were found throughout Indiana and were an integral part of the state’s grassland landscape, although they were all killed or migrated by 1830. The American Bison is preserved as part of our history on the Indiana State Seal, making it the ideal subject for the sculpture.”

Photo provided

The sculpture was hand-carved from a single large serpentine stone, using only a small hammer and chisel. It is over seven feet tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds.

“Bison & Calf” is located between the lagoon and College Avenue on the west side of Central Park. The sculpture was commissioned by Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation in 2022 and facilitated by Jayne During, owner of Kuaba Gallery in Carmel. The 2010 Central Park Master Plan envisioned artwork along the trail surrounding the park’s lagoon that would be interesting and engaging to children.

“CPPR would like to recognize former Clay Township Trustee Doug Callahan and former Mayor Jim Brainard, who were instrumental in introducing us to Mr. Benhura and advocating for this effort to bring public art to Central Park,” Klitzing said. “Our hope is that ‘Bison & Calf’ will engage parkgoers of all ages, inspiring them to explore and safeguard our natural spaces for years to come.”

Benhura completed most of the sculpture in Zimbabwe and will add finishing touches on-site over the next several days. Children in CCPR’s Summer Camp Series will have an opportunity to interact with the sculptor while he is completing the piece.

The public is also welcome to meet and discuss the piece with Benhura in Central Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, July 27 through Tuesday, July 30. Please refer to CCPR’s social media channels for any updates or changes to this schedule.