Towering, shiny creations stand tall on the edge of North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Made of aluminum and steel, they whimsically move in sync with the wind. These kinetic works of art are installed on the lawn of the late creator: Starr Gideon Kempf.
Kempf was a visionary artist renowned for these intricate sculptures animated by air.
Early Life + Art
Born in 1917, Kempf grew up on a quaint farm in Ohio, near the Swiss Mennonite village of Bluffton. Surrounded by a family of skilled blacksmiths and carpenters, he developed a firm foundation in forging, craftsmanship and engineering from a young age.
Kempf earned a scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Art, where he excelled in painting and drawing. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Corp during World War II, honing technical prowess and precision.
In 1942, he married Hedwig Roelen, a recent German immigrant and nurse at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Six years later, the couple acquired property in Cheyenne Cañon, where Kempf personally designed, constructed and furnished their family home.
Elegance + Engineering
In 1955, Kempf began fabricating bronze sculptures, which he sold to collectors. By ‘77, his artistic vision evolved into steel and aluminum wind sculptures, each requiring up to three years to complete—dynamic zephyr designs with mesmerizing displays of motion. Visually inspired by birds and weathervanes, the towers typically exceed 50 feet in height, blending elegance with engineering.
Kempf passed away in 1995, just short of 78 years of age. Today, in the garden of his former residence in the Cheyenne Cañon neighborhood, Kempf’s creations can be beheld for their graceful movement, engineering and striking visual appeal.
The seamless blend of aesthetics and engineering reflects Kempf’s background as both an artist and an aviation technician. His sculptures often mimic organic forms such as wings, feathers and celestial elements, evoking a sense of harmony between nature and human ingenuity.
Each piece is meticulously balanced, allowing gentle breezes to breathe life into the sculptures. Their movements are not only captivating but meditative, inspiring awe and connection with the natural world.
Sculptures on Display
Three sculptures—Sunrise Serenade, Metronome, and Space Needle—are on display at the Ent Center for the Arts on the UCCS campus. Additionally, a collection of Kempf’s kinetic sculptures can be observed along the trails at the Creekwalk shopping center in the Ivywild District.
Kempf’s creations remain a cherished part of Colorado Springs’ cultural identity. Visitors from around the world admire these kinetic eccentricities. His legacy endures today as a testament to the power of art in transforming spaces and inspiring wonder.
Website: https://gocadigital.org/outdoor-exhibitions/starr-kempf
Starr Kempf’s Kinetic Sculptures:
- 2057 Pine Grove Ave.
- Ent Center for the Arts | 5225 N. Nevada Ave.
- Creekwalk | 100 E. Cheyenne Rd. + S. Nevada Avenue