LONGVIEW, Texas – The steel sculpture Night Winds, a 17‑foot‑tall, three‑ton work created by artist John Daniel, has found a permanent home at the Longview Arboretum following a lengthy and often turbulent history in the community.
From Controversy to Restoration
Commissioned in 1981 by Kilgore College’s Longview campus, Night Winds was intended to bring an artistic presence to the area. The piece, inspired by the moon, clouds and trees, quickly became a flashpoint. For five years it stood amid public backlash, with some residents describing it as unattractive. The controversy escalated to protests, fistfights and even a student assault, prompting Kilgore College to remove the sculpture in the middle of the night.
After its removal, the sculpture sat in a college parking lot for 11 years. In 1997, Dean Julie Fowler advocated for a new direction. She reached out to Daniel, who was initially hesitant to return to Longview because of the earlier violence. Fowler suggested painting the piece a bright color to draw attention, while Daniel preferred a natural hue that would blend with the surrounding environment. Together they settled on a rich green finish that softened the arch’s appearance.
New Home at Trinity School and Later Relocation
Following its repaint, Night Winds was placed at Trinity School of Texas, where it remained for 27 years. A 2024 school expansion forced the artwork to move again, and the Longview Arboretum stepped forward to provide a lasting location. After more than two years of restoration work, the sculpture was reinstalled in downtown Longview, where it now stands as a permanent feature of the arboretum’s grounds.
“It takes my breath away every time I see it,” said Geff Grimes, Longview Arboretum Art Chairman. Grimes, who has followed the piece since its early days, noted that the community’s attitude toward public art has evolved. “In 1981 it was a much different world. Night Winds was dramatically different than a Texas‑shaped flower bed. Now downtown Longview has beautiful murals and public art all over the place,” he said.
Future Recognition
The arboretum plans to add a plaque to the sculpture in early 2027 and hold an official recognition ceremony. The piece is also listed in the Smithsonian’s catalog of John Daniel’s work, underscoring its artistic significance beyond the local controversy.
Grimes encourages residents to view the green steel arch as a symbol of resilience. “Maybe they can relate to it,” he said. “We all go through tough situations, we all go through evolutions. Realize the resilience of it.”
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
