The Butterfly finally has a permanent place to land in the Columbia County Memorial Gardens.

Columbia County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a site in the gardens to display the stainless steel sculpture, which was donated to the county in August by the Augusta Mall. The sculpture, called The Butterfly , stood many years in the mall at the entrance to J.C. Penney.

The 10-by-14-foot artwork consists of stainless steel rods that fan out from the center. It will now rest among several azalea bushes and two red maple trees adjacent to the Columbia County Amphitheater in Evans.

Community Forester Preston Duffie said the amphitheater helps soften the look of the large steel sculpture.

"The idea was the greenery would soften The Butterfly up a little bit to make it look a bit more natural," he said.

Commission Chairman Ron Cross said he liked the site. Commissioners chose between the amphitheater spot and a location a few hundred feet away under a picture window at the county's main library.

"I'm pleased to get it, and I think it will be an asset (to the gardens)," Mr. Cross said.

Community and Leisure Services Director Barry Smith said the county had been searching for sculptures by local artists when the mall offered to donate the piece.

It will cost $1,800 to install The Butterfly , a process Mr. Smith said should be completed by Thanksgiving.

The county is still searching for a bronze sculpture to place at the entrance to the library, Mr. Smith said, adding that there are five locations for art remaining around the gardens and the library.