The Big Reveal, Michael Leaf Public Sculpture

At the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center we are celebrating a new public sculpture by South Bay artist Michael Leaf entitled "Chameleon IT." This first of its-kind, color changing metal sculpture, will be located on the museum building. The unveiling and lighting of the new sculpture will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. during The Big Reveal, the museum’s signature event of the year.

The origins of "Chameleon IT":

Whenever I drive or ride my bicycle past the museum, I have always wondered…

How can the outside of the museum, reflect what is going on inside the museum? What could be done that is powerful and meaningful enough to represent the vibrancy of the art, history, culture performances and exhibitions inside the building? And then “IT” hit me. - Michael Leaf, artist

During the The Big Reveal we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the building and housing of the museum and the Bonita Historical Center with the County of San Diego. During The Big Reveal we will be honoring Barbara and Robert “Scott” Scott, who have been instrumental in the museum’s development throughout the years. Both Barbara and Scott have been active in raising funds for the museum and sculpture garden, as well as exhibition and programming support. Barbara is an emeritus board member, serving on the board of trustees. The Scott’s have been hands-on in creating the first public sculpture, WR This Cats Smart by Mehl Lawson, located near the museum at the entrance to the Greg Cox Civic Complex in Bonita. Barb and Scott will be the honorary chairs for the event.

From May 1 – May 29, 2026, a solo exhibition of Michael Leaf’s 2D and 3D metal artwork will be featured in the main gallery. Michael’s family talents and lineage includes Rohr Industries which was located in South Bay San Diego.

Michael Leaf on Instagram