Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a painted steel sculpture made up of interlocking components that suggest organic forms found in nature. The structure rises prominently and combines multiple curved and angular elements into a unified composition.

Created in 2002 by artist Nancy Metz White, this outdoor installation emerged as part of Milwaukee's broader push to increase public art in the city. It represents a period when communities were actively seeking to revitalize urban areas through artistic expression.

The sculpture merges industrial materials with natural imagery, showing how urban spaces can celebrate organic forms. Visitors notice how painted steel and thoughtful design create something that feels alive.

This public sculpture is accessible to visitors throughout the day in an outdoor setting. The viewing experience changes notably depending on the time of day, as sunlight shifts across the painted surface.

The sculpture's appearance shifts continuously throughout the day as sunlight moves across its surface. This constant transformation creates a different visual presence at each hour, turning the artwork into something that seems to change moods.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 2002

Creator: Nancy Metz White

Made from material: steel, paint

GPS coordinates: 43.03640,-87.97810

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22