Laura Sturza
MAGNOLIA PARK -- Strength and grace are elements that renowned Los
Angeles artist Wayne Healy said he sought to feature in the untitled
sculpture that he designed for the Buena Vista Branch Library and Abraham
Lincoln Park.
The 13.5-foot-tall stainless steel figure is scheduled to be installed
in approximately six months at a cost of $45,000, and it was unanimously
approved by the Burbank City Council on Nov. 13.
The abstract figure is of a youth with upraised hands, holding an open
book containing a glass composite, capable of transmitting light.
"Daytime light will gleam through the glass providing a jewel-like
quality to the book element," a city memo said. At night, lighting is
cast from within, illuminating the sculpture.
A seating area will surround the piece, and landscaping will be
integrated between the seating area and the sculpture's base.
Selection of Healy's work followed nearly two years of meetings and
applicant reviews conducted by the city of Burbank Art in Public Places.
The artist was chosen from among 19 applicants.
Healy is a founding member of the East Los Angeles StreetScapers, one
of the first groups of artists to jump-start the muralist movement in the
1970s.
