In 2011-2012, the site underwent a complete 6-month restoration, starting with a thorough cleaning. From there, elements were evaluated for integrity and need. Needs were addressed through a series of material investigations, hands-on learning about processes from lead conservators, and implemented in careful, on-site work.
This was Kohler Foundation Inc.’s largest site to date.
Role: Local contact, facilitator, conservation technician, research, procurement.
S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden is now a 501(c)3, with Erika serving as the Cultural Resources Director.
Sculpures were revealed to have more sensitive color treatments after cleaning, with a contrast between white portland and grey portland. Much of the work is done via lift to carefully access inaccessable points Cain after cleaning biological growth reveales his mark.Abel’s wounds were revealed to be bright red on white portland skin after cleaning. BioCleaning some sensitive areas. Most of the sculptures are anatomically correct, although not visible from the ground.