Artist: Clayton Robbins
Media: Bronze
Year: 1981
Location: Children’s Adventure Garden
Following the removal of the sculpture Extra Mileage, by Clayton Robbins, from the Boise Towne Square mall during 2009 renovations, Gene Williams found it in pieces at Pacific Steel and Recycling. He wrote to the Idaho Statesman letting them know the company wished to see the art restored, with community help. The resulting article received tremendous, positive response.
Garden members Bill “Action” Jackson and Truman Keith solicited ideas from the public, resulting in Roosevelt Elementary students and others writing hundreds of letters, with the majority supporting the Idaho Botanical Garden as the sculpture’s new home. Pacific Steel and Recycling donated the sculpture to the Garden and funds for installation and landscaping.
“Our main criterion was that the sculpture be available to the public. We are pleased that thousands of people will see the statue at the Garden, especially the hundreds of school children that visit on field trips each year.”
~ Michael Cataldo, Regional Manager of Pacific Steel & Recycling
Financial support from The Garden Elf and others allowed the sculpture to be placed in its new home that same year. The Boys in the Swing was restored by Idaho City artist Dirk Anderson with the assistance of Borah High School graduate Rebecca Harvey. After an amazing journey with a happy ending made possible by community collaboration, the sculpture shines in this naturalistic outdoor setting for visitors to enjoy year-round. Idaho Botanical Garden thanks those who made this installation possible.
- Pacific Steel & Recycling
- Bob and Lois Hibbs
- After Dark Landscaping
- Arbors, Gates, and Gardens
- Far West Landscape & Garden Center
- Gerhard Borbonus Landscaping
- Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation
- PipeCo, Inc.
- Quality Electric
- Restoration by Dirk Anderson