Stroll by St. Augustine Cathedral downtown and you might wonder about the vibrantly colorful structure rising over a courtyard.
A closer look will reveal that it's made up of 300 flowers, 18 butterflies, six birds and about a thousand leaves and branches - all made of steel and fashioned into a lattice standing 22 feet high.
"It's an open band shell cover," said John Shaheen, property director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson.
The shell arches over a 1,600-square-foot stage used for concerts, gatherings and other events.
However handsome it might be, the open-air framework would be of little use in providing shelter from the weather.
"It's not rain protected," Shaheen said. "The idea is to give the appearance of vines growing on a lattice. It was mostly for artistic expression - to bring color and a festive mood to the space."
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The shell, dedicated in May 2009, is part of the Monsignor Arsenio S. Carrillo Placita at the cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
It was crafted by blacksmith Joe Hernandez of Adobe Anvil Iron Works in Marana.
Now on sale
"Tucson Oddities, Too" is now available.
The sequel to "Tucson Oddities Vol. 1" features another 50 hometown oddities suggested by Star readers. Price: $14.99 plus tax.
A limited number of Volume 1 and 2 are available in a box set for $29, plus tax.
The books can be bought at the Star, 4850 S. Park Ave., or online at azstarnet.com/store (shipping and handling charges will be applied).
Questions can be referred to oddity@azstarnet.com or 573-4232.
Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192.
