“Kickoff” by Gloria Bornstein, of Seattle.

Gloria Bornstein’s sculpture “Kickoff” was selected to be placed in the Pine Nursery Community Park roundabout on Northeast Purcell Boulevard.

The sculpture was selected over three other finalists by Art in Public Places, a program funded by the Bend Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Brooks Resources Corp.

Art in Public Places hopes to have “Kickoff” in place by the end of the year.

Bornstein, a Seattle artist, said she was “absolutely delirious” when she was informed of the selection.

“I really wanted to do this piece for the community because I feel that it’s a good fit.”

Bornstein hopes her art will help the community develop a sense of aesthetics.

“I’m going to try to create something the community will love forever.”

In her artist statement, Bornstein described “Kickoff” as “an exuberant sculpture for the roundabout that announces the entrance to the Pine Nursery Park and celebrates ‘the start of the game.’ The artwork is inspired by the high energy sports activities of the park and varied recreational experiences that people enjoy in the region.”

She said the form of the sculpture is inspired by the volcanic landscape, in particular Pilot Butte.

She was inspired by “the concept and idea of volcanic and human energy. I was very inspired by the volcanic forms in Central Oregon. They are so ancient and beautiful. I got excited to see the connection to the community, the volcanic landscape and the energy very alive, very vital, and I wanted the artwork to express that.”

Sue Hollern, a member of the Art in Public Places board, said the other sculptures were so well done that one or more may be commissioned in the future.

Bornstein has three to six months to complete the sculpture. Members of the community could see the 22-foot high, 2,500-pound stainless steel sculpture in place before the end of the year, but Hollern said there’s a chance the installation could take place in the spring.