In a poignant display of resilience and homage to American values, Tate's School in West Knoxville has unveiled a newly crafted sculpture in time for Flag Day. Carved from the remains of a historic cedar tree ravaged by a Category 2 tornado in August 2023, the sculpture by wood artist Jeff Banning stands as a testament to the school's commitment to remembrance and renewal. The artwork prominently features an eagle, the United States flag, and a family of owls.
As reported by WVLT News, the cedar tree, pre-dating to the 1800s and once a significant fixture on the campus, has been given new life through the sculpture. “This is the oldest tree that we have. It probably goes back to the 1800s; it’s been here a long time. And it was gone,” Joe Tate, Co-Founder of Tate's School remarked, highlighting the long history of the once-majestic tree.
According to Tate's School's statement, the sculptor Jeff Banning, based in Louisville, TN, is passionate about forging art with a chainsaw, ingrained with deep meaning. Banning's dedication was evident as he worked tirelessly, even into the night and through the rain, to complete the piece within three days.
The eagles, alongside the flag, signify freedom, the owls symbolize wisdom, and the combined imagery represents the patriotic ethos rooted in Tate's School, said Joe Tate, “I am really pleased with this sculpture because it reflects the patriotic values inherent in the culture of Tate’s School," in a statement obtained by WBIR. The school, a private Christian institution catering to preschool through middle school students, eagerly anticipates the student body's return in the fall, to witness this new campus icon.
LouL Tate, founder and matriarch of Tate’s School expressed excitement about the students experiencing the sculpture firsthand, “We can’t wait for the students to see it when they return to campus this fall,” she told WBIR.
