Paul McKnight of EFS Energy on Tuesday completed installing an almost 10-foot tall sunflower in Sutton Loop Park.
The sunflower is functional art. The center of the flower is a solar panel, and with USB ports on the base anyone can charge a cell phone or computer.
McKnight said St. Louis artist, Ellie Shepley made the sunflower. He drew up the plans and she welded it. They started with a smaller prototype that they showed to Maplewood Community Development Director Rachelle L’Ecuyer for the OK.
McKnight had to run to Scheidt Hardware for the USB ports when he was installing it. “There’s always something,” he said.
How about some USB ports? Those 120V outlets won’t be very useful to charge a phone unless someone happens to have a wall adaptor.
I’m pretty sure they are USB ports, Jim.
I love that this is both artistic and functional. Nice! Was this given to the community by Paul McKnight?
I saw the sunflower and admired it but, I wondered if it will be painted. It’s all aluminum colored now and would look better painted.
Great idea!
Does it rotate throughout the day to face the sun?
The sunflower won’t move to face the sun. It’s welded in place.
Love this concept!
I’m new to this news source and think it’s great! Two questions that have probably been answered in the past: What business is going in the building being renovated next to Jay B. Smith funeral home? Is any business planning on building on the former site of McDonald’s at Big Bend and Oxford?
M. Barge – Next to Jay B. Smith will be Side Project Brewing – related to Side Project Cellar on Marietta Ave, and the former McDonald’s – don’t know for now. Some of it is in the Deer Creek flood plain, which could be a problem. And welcome to 40 South! There’s a newsletter that goes out most days at 6pm – sign up here: http://40southnews.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ed2fb6c646bb41a74cb03799e&id=3c4c8f4984
Love it……Maplewood is cool
I love this! Good example of public art that adds function and beauty to the community.