Nestled against a backdrop of lush plantain lily and pink Chinese astilbe within the quiet Stephen F. Keating Terrace garden sits “Sungate,” a sculpture by artist Murray Dewart. Located to the right of the Oswald Visitor Center (OVC) entrance doors and facing the Reedy Gallery’s large window, the sculpture — which was made in 2012 and donated by Thomas and Sally Patterson earlier this year — is the latest addition to the Arboretum’s sculpture collection.
A weighty form composed of light, textured granite footing and pillars that encompass a smooth bronze grid with vertical, circular and horizontal shapes, the sculpture encapsulates balanced forms, flowing lines and use of natural materials, which are a reflection of the Asian sensibility that marks Murray Dewart’s signature style. The renowned Boston artist has been making gate-like sculptures for more than 30 years, his career spanning continents and including large-scale public commissions in the U.S., China and Israel.
“Sungate” by American sculptor Murray Dewart on the Keating Terrace in front of the Oswald Visitor Center. Photo by Wendy DePaolis
Juxtaposed against the vegetation, the sculpture appears in perfect harmony with its surroundings as its form reflects the rhythm and structure of nature, the vertical balancing out the horizontal, as the rough granite leans against the smoothness of the bronze grid.
Dewart’s artistic approach is captured in his book “Hammer and Tongs”: “I have come to the view that sculpture is a balance between poetry and engineering. Too much engineering and it’s boring. Too much poetry and it tips over, falls apart, and doesn’t hold up.”
Prior to “Sungate’s” installation, the location within Keating Terrace was used for planters. However, in considering the sculpture’s placement, the decision was made that a sculpture viewed from inside in the Reedy Gallery would send a clear message: “We have art outside, come see!” said Wendy DePaolis, the Arboretum’s Curator for Art and Sculpture, noting that the sculpture can be viewed year-round.
Dewart’s piece adds to the Arboretum’s permanent Art and Sculpture collection spread around the OVC and Snyder Building and beyond, including the Harrison Sculpture Garden, which showcases 26 sculptures from 11 countries around the world.
Visitors may view the art on a self-guided tour or join a guided Art Tour, which occur every Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Aug. 30, 2025.
Cover image: “Sungate” by American sculptor Murray Dewart outside the Oswald Visitor Center. Photo by Wendy DePaolis
The Arboretum is home to three indoor gallery spaces featuring rotating exhibitions of nature-based art plus numerous works of art and sculpture found across the grounds and in the Harrison Sculpture Garden, home of the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk. Learn more about Art at the Arboretum and explore upcoming exhibitions.