Spotlight on 2009 Sculptures includes Elena Petroukhina’s Totem Poles. One of the winners of the 2009 Outdoor Sculpture Competition at the Bernice Garden. Totem Poles is located in the Northeast Corner of the Garden. Read more to find out about the artist and her sculpture.

Elena Petroukhina was born in Bryansk, Russia, and spent a lot of time doing art and playing music before coming to Arkansas. She has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Art and Art education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. After receiving her degree she taught art in junior high and high school for a year. Her main occupation has always been art, of which she decidicates most of her time.

Elena Petroukhina describes her sculpture:

“My project is based on the American Indian history heritage that are intertwined with the Quapaw. The Sculpture consists of five poles representing the totem poles of the Native Americans. Each pole is covered with hand made ceramic tiles, with each tile featuring a texture impression of a surface from the area.”

The Bernice Garden is excited to have this exquisite Sculpture that reflects the history of the Quapaw in Little Rock Arkansas.