Karen Rich Beall’s suspended sculpture in the stairwell mimics the distinctive characteristics of Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet). This shrub or small tree in the Nightshade family is native to the Andes where it grows on sloping terrain in damp conditions. A pair of trees with trumpet-shaped pendulous flowers and intoxicating scent can be found at the entrance to the Conservatory. Typically, Beall uses a mixture of materials and handiwork processes to create her sculptures; this piece was hand-knit and felted to give form to the leaves and flowers. In developing Angels of Light she studied ornament and border designs based on nature as well as Venetian chandeliers, particularly the ones with dangling glass fruit. Through the careful study of a singular plant, Beall plays on the tradition of celebrating and taming nature through decor.

Beall has long been interested in nature and has based sculptures and installations on carnivorous plants, invasives, and jelly fish. While living in Atlanta she showed widely in the South with solo exhibitions at Solomon Projects, Atlanta, GA; Albany Museum of Art, Albany, GA; and the Spartanburg County Museum of Art, Spartanburg, SC. Her work has been included in Running Rampant, Fe Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA; and Metamorphosis, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygen, WI; Rethinking Landscape, Pennsylvania School of Art and Design, Lancaster, PA; and other group exhibitions. She received a public art commission for the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA. Beall earned a BFA from the University of Florida, Gainsville, FL and MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. www.solomonprojects.com