David E. Davis Tour
15 Locations / Curated by OOS Staff
This is a tour of works by David E. Davis. It begins in downtown Cleveland and proceeds counter-clockwise down to Kent State University and back up the east side of greater Cleveland, ending at the Davis studio complex on University Circle, which is home to The Sculpture Center, as well.
Locations for Tour
1 Portal
A 36 foot tall steel tubular sculpture outside the Justice Center on Ontario. This piece, designed by Isamu Noguchi, was a point of much contention upon its installation in 1976. It's high cost of $100,000 was eviscerated by…
2 Harmonic Grid XLIV
Three rectangular vertical plates; tops are cut away in semi-circular shapes; these hollows are filled with flat semi-circles; each piece is set at right angles to each other.
3 Readers Column
A vertical abstraction of painted aluminum and stainless steel, ""Readers Column"" changes from every aspect, appearing to move as the viewer moves. The sculpture is situated in a plaza in front of the modern…
4 Link
Stainless steel beams 4 inches square form interlocking triangles; painted aluminum pyramidal base supports steel beams.
5 Walking Together
Eight massive black stained cedar beams, anchored together in a tentatively walking position. The walking series involves a horizontal axis around which several identical appendages revolve. Suspended from one of the bars is a…
6 Harmonic Grid XLVI
A single rectanlge of 3:1 proportion is divided into a number of smaller rectangles, triangles, and circles which were folded to create volume.
7 The David Berger Monument
11 free-standing slabs are arranged in a circle and are topped by 11 other slabs set at perpendicular angles. Above these rests an assembly of half-circles, united around a central axis. Their position suggests a rising and…
8 Bridge to Knowledge
Row of stainless steel tetrahedra, representing wedge shaped cuneiform, supported on a horizontal beam, which sits atop a 40' bridge, which rested on 3 earth mounds covered in myrtle, repeating the motif of the…
9 The Hanukkiah
An oversized functioning Menorah created from three colors of granite and stainless steel. Each of the amber epoxy flames is removable and a small light can be inserted into the candle to be turned on - one each day of Hanukkah. …
10 Harmonic Grid LX
Four rectangular forms radiate from a central circular pivot. The open disc shaped pivot area is partially filled by overlapping forms. All forms are inscribed with arcs and lines.
11 Large Sound Tower
Work in front of the Cleveland Heights - University Heights Public Library, on Lee Road
12 Portals to Everywhere (temporarily removed)
Sculpture in the David E. Davis Sculpture Park, on University Circle. Removed in 2019 for conservation.
13 Start
Start seems to unfold through time and space over a well traveled walkway. Davis' clever use of color and composition have the eye start at the pop of red on the base. The viewer's eye then moves across the elements from…
14 Helix II
Healix represents in part the DNA molecule as it twists and turns on itself. Healix is made of two spiriling ribbons; the outside being the larger one surrounding the inner. The inside surfaces are painted a bright orange. The…
15 Bridge to Knowledge II
Prominently displayed in the parking area of the former Davis Studio complex, now home to The Sculpture Center and the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, both Davis legacies. Also on the property is a Davis museum and a rear…