TOWERS OF TIME
TOWERS OF TIME stands at the entrance to Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska, located astride the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska. It is considered to be the largest single gift of art ever donated to the State of Nebraska. This impressive monument was constructed of natural and cast stone - another specialty of Images in Brick.
The installation is composed of three main elements: three 27 foot cast stone towers that represent the natural history of the region, a four-sided center fountain with each face displaying a history of Nebraska's indigenous human cultures, and a stream and waterfall celebrating the historical significance of the Missouri River.
The first tower depicts the late Cretaceous Period (65 million to 99 million years ago) when Nebraska was under water. It was the age of dinosaurs and giant fish, and the tower depicts prehistoric land and sea creatures.
The second tower features species from the Pleistocene Period (1.8 million to 10,000 years ago), the period of the Ice Age when woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats and giant sloths roamed the region.
The third tower features the spectrum of contemporary wildlife that currently inhabits the Missouri River region, everything from blue herons and white tail deer to bison and flathead catfish.
The center fountain, each face displaying a history of indigenous human cultures, is also the source of a fountain. Water from the top spills over the sides, runs down the faces and collects in a circular pond. The pond in turn feeds the stream that culminates in the waterfall and reflecting pool.
The descending cascade and its accompanying pathway represents water and its dynamic flow through the natural world - the life forms that develop around it, upon it, inside it and above it. The stream invites the viewer to explore the intricacies of the water path, culminating with a visual and emotional reward when he or she reaches the waterfall.
The stream ends with a 7’ waterfall that serves as the source of the reflecting pool. The waterfall was constructed with a combination of natural stone and sculpted concrete to create an intricate tumble for the cascading water. The paths around the waterfall lead to observation and sitting areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the calming sound of rushing water.
TOWERS OF TIME at night glow an ethereal light. The pathways and waterfall are also carefully lit so that visitors can explore and enjoy the sculpture after dark.