“Topiary” was created by local artist Eric Nordgulen for The Public Collection in 2015. The design of this sculpture is meant to draw attention to books, the importance of literacy and outreach, and the book sharing system. The sculpture is a series of linear vine forms that suggest growth and development, a kind of topiary composition that would wrap around an existing planted garden space on the trail. Thus, these sculpture forms emerge from the garden space and suggest that reading is another form of growth.

Heaving earned his B.F.A. from East Carolina University and M.F.A. from Indiana University, Professor Nordgulen was appointed to the sculpture faculty of Herron School of Art + Design in 1993, and was named the Fine Arts Department chair in 2005. Before joining Herron, he was a professor and lecturer at Washington University, St. Louis. Nordgulen’s work is well represented nationally and in the Midwest in such exhibitions as the Pierwalk at Navy Pier, Chicago, Site Works at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, and public sculpture installations in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Nordgulen is also an Efroymson Contemporary Arts Fellow.

The Public Collection is a public art and literacy project developed by Rachel M. Simon to improve literacy, foster a deeper appreciation of the arts (and artists), and promote social and educational justice in our community. Through a curated process, Indiana-based artists were commissioned to design unique book share stations or lending libraries that are installed in public spaces around Indianapolis. Each book share station holds a varied selection of books for diverse audiences and age groups. The Public Collection stations are free and available to everyone. Passersby can borrow and return books at their leisure. Books are supplied and stocked by the Indianapolis Public Library.