A Conversation
At Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, Philadelphia, PA
Photo credit: Rob Zverina
Artist: Sarah Kavage
Project: Water Spirit
Completed: March 2021
Assistants: Nola Latty, Hannah Declercq
Community Liaison: Priscilla Bell
Special thanks to: Susan Heider, Tony Croasdale, and George Ambrose; Max & John at the Philly Parks & Rec Nursery
About
A Conversation (The Sisters) by Sarah Kavage places two living, bent willow benches on either side of Cobb’s Creek for socially-distant creekside conversations. Built with willow harvested from the Philadelphia Parks & Rec Nursery, the structure and style is based on old-time Appalachian bent willow furniture — the pre-plastic, pre-aluminum porch furniture! Willow is an extremely restorative and generous plant, with medicinal and ecological uses. It is frequently planted along stream banks for erosion control; the willow used for the benches will continue to grow and benefit the creek.
Visit
Visit these sisters along Cobb’s Creek, close to the Cobb’s Creek Community Environmental Center. One will be on the far side of the bridge that crosses the creek - cross the bridge and walk a short distance north (upstream).
Accessibility information
The location is on a grassy trail that is not paved, but is kept mowed. There is uneven ground between the parking lot and the artwork location. The bridge across the creek does not have any stairs; there are slight grade changes between the path and the bridge.
Gallery
Photo credits: Nola Latty, Sarah Kavage, Rob Zverina
