Media Release

The red bluff basalt columns offer local artist Greg Johnson's representation of the six individuals who are directly affected by each suicide.  The basalt, mined and brought to Gainesville from Washington State, collectively weighs over eight thousand pounds with the tallest structure standing at approximately six feet.

Johnson polished, cut and chiseled portions of the stone to help create his vision, of which he says, “The design of the sculptural element for the Survivors of Suicide Memory Garden is based on the concept of six standing basalt columns grouped around a seventh fallen, chthonic column. The six standing columns will be divided to symbolically represent a family, a couple, and a lone survivor.”  Johnson goes on to say of his artwork, “What results is an abstracted form that is specific but not personal; figurative in a stylized, nonliteral way.”

Alachua County Crisis Center Director Marshall Knudson said, “Dedicated to those who have lost a loved one to suicide, The SOS Memory Garden at Cofrin Nature Park is intended as a place of comfort, meditation and healing.”  He continued, “Whether a person has lost a loved one to suicide, is experiencing another type of loss, or is looking for a peaceful spot outdoors, they can take in the beauty, comfort and reflection offered by the garden. In addition to the remembrance area where the columns will be installed, the garden provides private areas and a labyrinth for walking meditation.”

The SOS Memory Garden is scheduled to be completed this November.  The Friends of the Crisis Center are responsible for building the garden, and are looking for individuals or groups wishing to donate their time and/or skill to the creation and/or maintenance of the garden.

Visit the Friends of the Crisis Center website.

For more information, contact Marshall Knudson at 352-264-3792 or mlk@alachuacounty.us  or Project Coordinator, Judy Broward at gatorjudy2@gmail.com.