The winner:
Bill McReynolds, Castle Rock
Starr Kempf’s “Bird in Flight” is a kinetic sculpture located at the Kempf residence, 2057 Pine Grove Ave., in Cheyenne Canyon near The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. After many struggles, with the city and complaints from neighbors, I am sure Starr’s family would like to give “the bird” to their crotchety neighbors and the city.
A dark and stormy meeting:
Scott Schofield, Colorado Springs
There were many other superb works displayed at Starr Kempf’s home until zoning violations caused the displacement of some works to other locations.
My first view of the bird was on a dark and stormy night. My date and I were traversing the Gold Camp road above Colorado Springs. The fog had advanced over The Broadmoor as we descended, and there, through the mist and fog, was this great silver bird with other great creatures on stilts in the background. It was an amazing sight. They have been visited often since for the sheer enjoyment of such magical works of art.
Lost and found:
Beau Skogen, Arvada
You “Kempf” keep this “Starr” a secret once you’ve seen it. My wife and I found this foundry and kinetic sculpture garden getting lost on our way to Seven Falls. An amazing sight to behold!
Easy landings:
Rita Kleve, Holyoke
I have always wanted that big bird to land here in my yard. We have two sons living in the Springs and the third was a graduate of the Air Force Academy so we have gone there to view the sculpture several times. The last time was about 10 days ago, when we took our sister from Maine to see them. The sculptures are very large but make absolutely no sound as they turn and are simply beautiful.
Old neighbors:
Hayden and Riley Wambach, Parker
When our father was growing up, he lived just down the street from Mr. Kempf. We see these every time we go down to see our Aunt Chris, who also lives on that street. Mr. Kempf was an artist who started by making bronze sculptures and then changed to making these unique wind sculptures. He built more than a dozen and most are still in his front yard. Some had to be relocated due to city ordinances. Although Mr. Kempf is no longer alive, our dad remembers him as someone who would help weld his dirt bike back together after he would wreck it.
