Bonita Museum & Cultural Center to Unveil Dynamic Color-Changing Public Sculpture by South Bay Artist Michael Leaf

BONITA, CALIF. – The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center (BMCC) has announced that an innovative new public artwork, Chameleon IT by acclaimed South Bay artist Michael Leaf, will soon be installed at the museum. The first-of-its-kind color-changing metal sculpture will be revealed and illuminated for the first time on Saturday, May 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during The Big Reveal, the Museum’s signature annual fundraising celebration.

BMCC, in partnership with the County of San Diego, has a vision to transform the area surrounding the Museum into a grand outdoor sculpture garden showcasing three-dimensional works of art. The first phase of this garden is a dynamic building wrap, featuring 2,000 square feet of hand-cut aluminum, through which the artist explores the power of metalworking and plays with the natural light of the region. Chameleon IT transforms the building itself into a living canvas, with surfaces that respond to changing light conditions throughout the day. The project was made possible by funding from community donors and the County of San Diego.

“Whenever I drove or rode my bicycle past the museum, I always wondered: How can the outside of the museum reflect what is going on inside?” said Leaf. “What could be done that is powerful and meaningful enough to represent the vibrancy of the art, history, cultural performances and exhibitions inside the building? And then ‘IT’ hit me.”

Chameleon IT is not the only dramatic new artwork being added to the Museum. Leaf also created a striking 22-by-16-foot metal sculpture, Inner Strength, which will stand at the Museum’s entrance and serve as a “beacon of hope and a symbol of unity for our community.” He has also designed a set of large steel chairs titled Communication featuring interchangeable backrests that will serve as a focal point for the Museum’s Call for Artist displays. Another sculpture, Lead with Your HeART, is the first in a planned series of 20 metal hearts Leaf intends to place around the world. Lead with your HeART and Inner Strength have been donated by Michael, his wife Stephanie and son Canon. These pieces will become a permanent part of the Museum’s new sculpture garden.

A Milestone Year for the Museum

The Big Reveal event also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Museum’s building and its partnership with the County of San Diego. The evening will honor longtime supporters Barbara Scott, an emeritus board member and trustee, and Robert “Scott” Scott, who have been instrumental in the Museum’s development over the years.

The Scotts have played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts supporting the Museum, its sculpture garden, exhibitions, and educational programming. They were also deeply involved in bringing the area’s first major public sculpture, WR This Cats Smart by Mehl Lawson, to its prominent location at the entrance to the Greg Cox Civic Complex in Bonita, where the Museum is located. They will serve as Honorary Chairs for the event.

Featured Exhibition: Michael Leaf

Coinciding with unveiling of Chameleon IT and leading up to The Big Reveal, the Museum will present a solo exhibition of Michael Leaf’s 2D and 3D metal works from May 1 through May 29 in the main gallery.

A third-generation San Diegan, Leaf’s family lineage traces back to Rohr Industries, the historic South Bay manufacturing company known for its aerospace innovation – a heritage that subtly informs his mastery of metal fabrication and design. 

From his studio in Chula Vista, Leaf has created metal sculptures and public artwork throughout the United States, including a 26-foot commemorative sculpture on the San Diego Bayfront titled Powering the Arts that was commissioned by the Port of San Diego in 2015. More information about Michael Leaf Design can be found at https://michaelleafdesign.com/.  

Event Details

The Big Reveal

Saturday, May 16, 2026

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

4355 Bonita Road

Bonita, CA 91902

Tickets: $150/person | $1,250/table of 10

The evening will include the official lighting of Chameleon IT, anniversary recognition, and celebration of the Museum’s ongoing role in preserving and promoting South Bay arts, history, and culture.

About the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

The nonprofit Bonita Museum & Cultural Center houses the Bonita Historical Society and over 2,000 objects connected to the art, history and culture of the Sweetwater Valley region in South Bay San Diego. The donation-based community museum provides a thriving cultural center for local residents through a rotating selection of fine art sculpture, painting, photography, architecture, design and media arts, housed in two interior galleries and an outdoor space. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit bonitahistoricalsociety.org.