The Colossus Tree

Michael Crawbuck and Mickey Santana

About the piece: The Colossus Tree is a mythological tree that was transplanted in New York in 1886, the same year that the Statue of Liberty first stood on her pedestal in New York Harbor. This tree grows in harmony with the growth of New York City and uniquely glows in response to hugs. When the full community is embraced, the tree shines in spite of the bad apples that have tried to cut down its branches. This tree once stood much taller - you can tell because of its thick trunk - with each annual growth ring representing a new year and a new wave of people coming from all over the world to make New York home. The Colossus Tree has always been here, but only appears to the human eye in times of need to remind New Yorkers that a hug can go a long way.

About the artists: Michael Crawbuck and Mickey Santana are the founders of Three Bee Experiences, an experiential art studio with a focus on themed events and culinary creations. Their work pulls from their roots in New York, Toronto, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The Glass Garden Pavilion is their debut public art installation and they are eager to grow their career in experiential storytelling. They are steadfast on creating fantastical worlds and whimsical encounters that make a real-world impact. Michael and Mickey designed this installation as a reminder to dance through the darkness in the pursuit of queer joy.