‘The Life Cycle’ sculpture finds new home at Carmel Clay History Museum’s new location

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The Carmel Clay History Museum, which recently opened its new location, has also welcomed the return of “The Life Cycle of a Butterfly” sculpture outside of its new home.

“The Life Cycle,” a favorite among travelers along the Monon Trail, was designed by Carmel artist Scott Osborne and made its debut in 2020. With the construction around the old location of the Historical Society’s Museum, the sculpture was stored away to keep it safe. With the ‘metamorphosis’ of the new museum, the sculpture will also emerge in a fresh and new location, ready to once again inspire visitors.

“We are very excited to welcome back this unique artwork. Scott Osborne’s creation both enhances our landscape and educates children about the metamorphosis of butterflies with amazing, detailed metalwork,” Carmel Clay Historical Society Executive Director Deborah Gangstad said.

The project was funded by the City of Carmel’s Art Grant committee.

Osborne, who works out of his studio – Brown Hound Studios – has had several pieces commissioned in Carmel and Indianapolis. His focus in art is on larger-than-life sculptures that feature metal and other materials.

Osborne’s focus in art is on larger-than-life sculptures that feature metal and other materials. (Photo provided)

His original inspiration for “The Life Cycle” was to make a sculpture that symbolized the development of youth. His goal for the sculpture was that it would become a visual, thought-provoking and educational sculpture for all to see and enjoy.

“I wanted to create something that spoke to how beautiful life is at every stage, even if it can look very different depending on where you are,” Osborne said. “Just like with a butterfly starting as an egg and growing into a butterfly, sometimes time and difficult changes can create the most beautiful life.”

The Carmel Clay History Museum is now open. The museum is the perfect place for any historian, but especially those who share a passion for Carmel History. The museum is committed to preserving Carmel history and ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to learn and appreciate the stories that shape the Carmel community. You can visit the new museum Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Be sure to stop by on your way in to pose with the various stages of the butterfly in “The Life Cycle.”

About Scott Osborne
Scott Osborne is a Carmel native who has spent his entire life in the city. After graduating from the Herron School of Art and Design in 2019, he began to explore creating art in almost every medium imaginable before finding his love of using found objects to create large, dynamic sculptures. He is especially fond of incorporating wood and metal into his art. He integrates functionality and is always influenced in some way by the number three – born in the third month and the third child in his family. The best thing about art in Osborne’s eyes is that it can share a message and a purpose, or it can simply be appreciated for the sheer beauty of its existence.