Where Art and Nature Come to Life
Celebrating the Spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains
Experience a captivating new collection of larger-than-life animal sculptures at Tanger Sevierville, created by world-renowned public artists Gillie and Marc.
Described by The New York Times as “the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s history,” British and Australian artists Gillie and Marc have redefined what it means for art to live in public spaces. Their celebrated sculptures and paintings, displayed in cities worldwide, share messages of love, equality, and conservation, including landmark works such as The Last Three and King Nyani in New York City and The Orphans in London.
At Tanger Sevierville, their newest installation pays tribute to the beauty and wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains. Each bronze figure captures the spirit of local endangered and native species, reminding us to protect, appreciate, and celebrate the natural world around us.
“We hope these works bring joy, spark curiosity, and inspire visitors of all ages to protect and cherish our natural environment.”
About
“Antlers to the Wind”
Hooves on handlebars, head up high, this young bull is going for a joyride. The destination doesn’t matter; just live in the moment and do the most unlikely things that others don’t expect. And hey, why not join in the fun, this bike is built for two!
Did you know?
ELK
Once native to the Great Smoky Mountains, elk, also known as wapiti, were reintroduced to the park in 2001 after being absent for over 150 years. The initial group of 25 elk was released as part of a successful conservation effort, with more added the following year. Today, these majestic animals roam freely once again through the valleys and forests of the Smokies. Female elk can weigh up to 500 pounds, while males can reach 700 pounds and stand nearly as tall as a pickup truck, making them one of the park’s most impressive wildlife sightings.
About
“Songs from the Land of the Blue Smoke”
A loving tribute to Sevierville’s living legend, Dolly Parton and the Great Smoky Mountains she calls home. With a hairband that flows like her melodies and a pair of boots tapping to the rhythm or her strum, imagine her singing a chorus that’s tuned to her heart’s joy. Whatever melody it may be, she’s inviting you to join in the song.
Did you know?
RED FOX
The red fox is native to the Great Smoky Mountains and can be found at all elevations across the region. Recognized by its white-tipped tail, black legs, and sharp, dog-like face, the red fox is a clever and elusive creature, most active at night and rarely seen during the day. These adaptable mammals thrive along forest edges and open fields, where they hunt and store food for later. Foxes often maintain multiple dens, moving their young between them for protection and care.
About
“Momma’s Got a Brand New Bag”
A serene moment unfolds as an unexpected shopper clutches her prized possession. She may have entered the day as a modest rabbit, but she stands transformed, stoic yet radiant. Although she doesn’t show it, something has shifted. She knows it, and she loves it. Momma’s got a brand new bag.
Did you know?
COTTONTAIL RABBIT
The cottontail rabbit, commonly seen throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, is a familiar and important part of the region’s wildlife. Most often represented by the Eastern cottontail, this small mammal thrives in the park’s open fields, forest edges, and brushy clearings where grasses and shrubs provide both food and cover. Recognizable by its soft brown fur and distinctive white “cotton” tail, the cottontail is most active during early morning and dusk, feeding on a variety of plants, twigs, and herbs. As both prey and forager, it plays a key role in the Smokies’ ecosystem—supporting predators such as hawks, foxes, and bobcats while helping to maintain plant diversity through its grazing habits.
About
“Warm Coffee for the Cold-Blooded”
With over 31 species of salamanders, the Great Smoky Mountains is heralded as the Salamander Capital of The World. Even our most elusive of friends need to crawl out for a cup of courage. Who can deny the warmth of a morning brew?
Did you know?
SALAMANDER
The Great Smoky Mountains are often called the “Salamander Capital of the World”, home to more species of salamanders than anywhere else on Earth. These fascinating creatures thrive in the park’s cool, moist forests and streams, from the bright Black-chinned Red Salamander and rare Red-cheeked Salamander, found only in the Smokies, to the giant Hellbender, which can grow up to two feet long. With dozens of species hidden under rocks, logs, and leaves, salamanders make up the majority of vertebrate animals in the park on any given day.
About
“Generations of Pixels and Paper”
An ironic moment where we find a young river otter scrolling away on his digital device while an elder white tail deer is taking in the daily print. Both are lost in their own world of words, distinctly different yet equally entranced by the latest headlines. Perhaps they think they have nothing in common, but in the end, are they really so different after all?
Did you know?
WHITE-TAILED DEER
The white-tailed deer is one of the most iconic animals of the Great Smoky Mountains, often spotted in open valleys like Cades Cove and Cataloochee. Named for the bright white underside of their tails, flashed as a signal of alarm, these graceful animals are known for their keen hearing, wide field of vision, and remarkable agility. White-tailed deer can run up to 40 miles per hour and leap as high as 8 feet, helping them evade predators. Fawns are born with white-spotted coats that blend perfectly with sun-dappled forest floors, a natural camouflage that fades as they grow.
About
“The Space Between Strangers”
We catch a quiet moment, a young raccoon and an adult black bear sharing a bench by chance. There’s no tension, just curiosity. The raccoon leans in slightly, while the bear sits calmly, both simply noticing each other in the stillness of the day. Big and small, brave and calm, this piece invites us to join in curiosity as we compare the most unlikely of creatures sharing an unexpected moment together.
Did you know?
AMERICAN BLACK BEARS
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic American Black Bear, the park’s most famous resident. With an estimated 1,500 black bears roaming its protected forests, the Great Smoky Mountains offer one of the largest bear habitats in the eastern United States. Drawn to the region’s dense hardwood forests and abundant natural food sources, these bears play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by dispersing seeds and shaping forest growth, making them a powerful symbol of the Smokies’ rich natural heritage.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these whimsical bronze characters—our new ‘locals’ —who embody the joy and memory-making that Tanger Sevierville is all about.”
Jonathan Lim
|
Vice President of Design & Construction at Tanger