On Jan. 3, sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer invites the public to an open house to view his latest public commission.

Entitled “All Things Within All Things,” the piece is a life-sized African elephant entirely composed of delicate, plasma butterflies. This is the only chance to see the sculpture before it is shipped to the East Coast for installation at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.

Palmer was awarded the commission by the City of Norfolk, beating competition from about 50 other artists. His winning proposal described the vision behind the sculpture: “the artwork aims to illustrate in a playful fashion our interconnection with all that is … from the largest terrestrial animal to delicate wind-bound insects.”

The open house is from 4-9 p.m., at the sculptor’s studio at 835–A Argyle Ave., across from the fairgrounds. Call 370-5520.