New this summer to the Portland public art scene are two sensual sculptures created by Maine artist Vivian Beer. Located in Winslow Park next to Back Cove, "Rustle" and "Cloud Bench" replaced "Milkweed Pod" by Clark Fitzgerald, which was installed there in 1975.

Despite my mad skills with a Google search and my insider access to the Press Herald archives, I can't track down much info about the old Fitzgerald piece. However, I recall hearing that the work had been done collaboratively with a group of students and that the artist was never particularly happy with the results. Could this be why it got kicked to the curb?

Not so, according to Sally Struever, a member of the Public Art Committee and co-chair of the Beer installation.

The Fitzgerald piece "was replaced because it fell down in a storm," Struever tells me.

Made of carved wood and concrete, "Milkweed Pod" was destroyed during its unfortunate encounter with Mother Nature. But no feelings were hurt, because, as Struever explains "it was meant to be a temporary piece."

In contrast, the Beer works are constructed of painted steel and are meant to be permanent. Best of all, the abstract pieces exude an organic, modern feel that fits perfectly with Portland's earthy yet up-to-date vibe.