Michael Leaf Sculpture in the Sculpture Garden 2026

New Sculpture Artworks in the Garden at the Museum

Chameleon IT by Michael Leaf at night

Watch: KPBS Video about Michael Leaf and the sculpture garden (3m 27sec)

Chameleon IT by Michael Leaf is a site-specific permanent artwork. See BMCC Chameleon IT Press Release (1) about the new sculpture.

Every night at Sunset watch sculptures in the garden come to life with a spectacular light show that lasts for two hours.

Pictures from The Big Reveal, sculpture garden opening

The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center’s (BMCC) vision is to transform surrounding areas of the museum into a grand outdoor sculpture garden. The BMCC, in partnership with the County of San Diego, is creating an outdoor space that showcases three-dimensional works of art by South Bay artists. Michael Leaf, a local artist, captures visitors’ attention with his dynamic artistic voice as he explores the power of metalworking. The largest work in the sculpture garden, Chameleon “IT” invites visitors to explore, engage, and connect with this constantly changing piece that plays with the light of the region. Working out of Chula Vista, Leaf has created metal sculpture throughout the United States.

The artwork in the BMCC Sculpture Garden includes future temporary works of art and serve as a platform for artists to showcase their work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

ABOUT MICHAEL LEAF

Dubbed the “The Michaelangelo of Metal” by KUSI news, Michael is a third generation South Bay San Diegan and a master of metal craft.

“Whenever I drive or ride my bicycle past the museum, I have always wondered…How can the outside of the museum, reflect what is going on inside the museum? What could be done that is powerful and meaningful enough that would represent the vibrancy of the art, history, culture performances and exhibitions inside the building? And then ‘IT’ me.”

-Michael Leaf

A third-generation San Diegan, Leaf’s family lineage traces back to Rohr Industries, the historic South Bay manufacturing company known for its aerospace innovation – a heritage that subtly informs his mastery of metal fabrication and design.

From his studio in Chula Vista, Leaf has created metal sculptures and public artwork throughout the United States, including a 26-foot commemorative sculpture on the San Diego Bayfront titled Powering the Arts that was commissioned by the Port of San Diego in 2015. More information about Michael Leaf Design can be found at https://michaelleafdesign.com/.