A half million LEGO(r) bricks formed into 27 garden-inspired sculptures, some nearly 8 feet tall, will be open for view beginning Friday at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

The largest piece is a mother bison made from 45,143 bricks. Other subjects include a floating hummingbird, a sly fox and a life-sized gardener with hoe. The garden also announces a LEGO(r) brick building competition, called Build-tanical Challenge, seeking local entries related to the garden.

The LEGO(r) brick sculptures were designed by New York artist, Sean Kenney, the first of only 11 "LEGO(r) Certified Professionals" worldwide who are not employees of LEGO(r). These professionals are officially recognized by the LEGO(r) Group as trusted business partners because of their building proficiency, their enthusiasm for the LEGO(r) brick and building system, and a professional approach towards other LEGO(r) fans.

The Build-tanical LEGO(r) Brick Competition is held in conjunction with the Huntsville Botanical Garden's exhibit Nature Connects, Art with LEGO(r) Bricks. It will be on display this Saturday until July 26, with the artist himself being at Huntsville Botanical Garden this Friday and Saturday.

There will be various opportunities to hear him speak about his inspiration and how he became a LEGO(r) certified brick artist. Along with the exhibit, the garden also will offer creative build areas through-out the exhibit, some ticketed and some free.

There will be a micro-city build day on May 30 where visitors can build a LEGO(r) structure to add to the city. Engineering for Kids LEGO(r) WeDo Robots summer camps will be June 22 - 26. A LEGO(r) Moves robotic workshop is set for July 11. There will be two showings of the LEGO Movie on May 1 and June 12 and LEGO(r)-themed birthday party options.

The Build-tanical Challenge is open to all LEGO(r) enthusiasts, but only 40 sculptures will advance to the final round of judging held on June 13.

Those wishing to enter should create an original nature or garden themed sculpture related to the Huntsville Botanical Garden such as plants, gardens or ideas connected to the Butterfly House, Children's Garden, Aquatic Garden or other areas within the Garden. No kits will be accepted.

Send a digital photo of your sculpture and submit to Huntsville Botanical Garden by midnight, May 22. All photos will be posted on the garden's social media sites and will be judged by a panel of Huntsville Botanical Garden staff.

All of the final round sculptures are brought to the Garden for judging by members of the Tennessee Valley LEGO(r) Club for competition winners. Prizes are awarded in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all age categories. There will be 121 winners in total. Prizes will consist of Garden admission tickets and merchandise. All 40 entries receive award certificates.

Contest entries are judged on building skill, creativity and originality, interpretation of theme and presentation. Contestant categories are age 8 and under, 9 to 14, 15 and older and a professional category consisting of architects, engineers, artists, etc. Complete rules and the entry form available online at www.hsvbg.org.