Tree of Hands
Ki No Te (“Tree of Hands”)
Artist: Michael Shewmaker | Gracely Park
A shimmering new symbol of connection now rises from the heart of Gracely Park. The City of Simpsonville proudly unveils Ki No Te — Japanese for “Tree of Hands” — a stainless steel sculpture created and donated by artist Michael Shewmaker.
Reaching nine feet high and spanning over five feet in width, Ki No Te captures attention not just for its impressive scale, but for its meaning. Dozens of polished, interwoven hands form a tree-like shape — a visual metaphor for unity, growth, and the collective strength of community. Forged from mirror-polished, high-grade stainless steel, the sculpture is built to endure the elements for over a thousand years, reflecting not just sunlight, but the legacy of those who gather around it.
The artist, Michael Shewmaker, generously gifted the sculpture to the city. In February 2024, an ad hoc committee formed by the Mayor selected Ki No Te for installation. Simpsonville Public Works brought the vision to life, assembling a small crew and using rented equipment to install the sculpture in just half a workday.
“Ki No Te” is more than a sculpture; it’s a testament to how art can bring people together.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience Ki No Te up close in Gracely Park and reflect on the message it conveys: that our city’s strength lies in the hands and hearts of many.
To view the artist’s portfolio and learn more about the sculpture, visit www.shewmakersculpture.com/ki-no-te.
