Palmetto American Tribute from the collection of One Columbia for Arts and Culture

Palmetto American Tribute, 2002

Location: South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais St Columbia, SC 29201 (Google map)

As part of the Palmetto Tree Project, this tree sculpture is patterned after the American Flag and SC State Flag. It was installed by the Cultural Council and dedicated by Governor Jim Hodges, Honors SC Fire, SCPD, and SC Emergency Personnel in 2002.

The 87 “steel palmettos” went on display at the of June 2000 and are at locations throughout Lexington and Richland counties. In addition, a tree will be sent to Columbia’s sister city, Kaiserslautern, Germany, for display. Another tree will go to Queensland, Australia, South Carolina’s sister state, for display.

A jury team of seven museum professionals selected the winning designs from 160 entries. Most of the participating artists are from the greater Columbia area.