World-renowned artist brings outdoor art exhibition to Anne Springs Close Greenway
Photo credit: Elemental Exhibitions
FORT MILL, S.C. (News Release) — The Anne Springs Close Greenway and renowned artist Huelani Mei invites nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike to embark on an enchanting journey through Forest Forms, a traveling outdoor art exhibition that celebrates the beauty and harmony of the natural world. The Greenway will host the exhibition, presented by Visit York County, for four months throughout fall and winter, beginning September 13, 2025 through January 11, 2026.
Forest Forms showcases eighteen captivating sculptures, ranging in height from a whimsical five feet to a monumental twenty feet. Each larger-than-life work embodies the essence of nature. The exhibition features a majestic fox family, intricate stack of flowers, adorable bunny rabbits, a slithering snake archway and much more.
Crafted from powder-coated steel in a style reminiscent of line drawing, Huelani Mei’s sculptures emanate a sense of fluidity and grace.
“We are thrilled to welcome Forest Forms to the Greenway this fall,” said Lindsey Arnautovic, Vice President of Operations for Leroy Springs & Company. “This installation aligns perfectly with our vision of establishing the Greenway as a premier outdoor art destination in the region. Forest Forms beautifully highlights the synergy between nature and creativity, inviting visitors to experience art in harmony with the natural world.”
The sculptures will be strategically placed within the heart of the Greenway’s 2,100-acre property, extending from the Steele Creek swinging bridge to Lake Haigler. All installations will be conveniently located within approximately a half-mile radius of the Greenway Gateway at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The sculptures showcase flora and fauna that thrive within the Greenway, celebrating the vibrant ecosystem that calls this special property home.
Forest Forms at the Anne Springs Close Greenway will be included in the event schedule for Charlotte International Arts Festival, which also kicks off on September 13 in the greater Charlotte region. Admission to Forest Forms is included in the cost of Greenway membership and is open to non-members with a daily admission fee. Additional appreciation to our community partner, Blumenthal Arts.
Forest Forms at Anne Springs Close Greenway:
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, September 13, 2025 through January 11, 2026
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC
Time: 7:00am – sunset
Cost: Admission is included in the cost of a Greenway membership. Daily admission fees apply to non-Greenway members.
Website: https://www.ascgreenway.org/visit/forest-forms/
Check out WCCB’s Event Calendar for more happenings in and around the Charlotte area
About Huelani Mei:
Huelani Mei is a visionary artist renowned for her dynamic sculptures that blur the boundaries between art and nature. With a deep reverence for the environment, Mei’s work reflects her passion for outdoor exploration and the transformative power of artistic expression.
Mei’s artistic journey begins with a simple sketch, capturing the essence of her vision. These sketches are then transformed into tiny maquettes, crafted from pencil steel and measuring just a few inches in size. Through meticulous refinement of lines and angles, Mei breathes life into her creations before bringing them to full-scale fabrication. As an avid nature lover, Mei draws inspiration from her outdoor pursuits, infusing her work with a distinct “line work” style that captures the form, movement, and rhythm of the natural world. Each sculpture reflects her profound connection to nature, offering viewers an unexpected moment of reflection and wonder.
About Anne Springs Close Greenway:
Nestled amid beautiful lakes and hardwood forests, the Anne Springs Close GreenwaySM is a natural preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Minutes south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, its 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provide a wide-open space for countless activities – from hiking, biking and horseback riding to picnics, kayaking and more. The land has ties to the Catawba Indians and the Civil War and has been permanently preserved for public use. The children of Anne Springs Close donated the land in honor of her lifelong commitment to recreation and the environment to provide a natural landscape for the community to enjoy. The GreenwaySM contains native plants and animals, historic buildings, a 40-mile network of trails, Greenway Gateway welcome center and facilities for weddings and other special events. As a non-profit organization, it depends on memberships, program fees, as well as private donations to support annual operations. The Greenway is owned and operated by Leroy Springs & Company Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and programs.
