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Beauty and The BeastBeauty and The Beast is a large-scale outdoor sculpture created by Philadelphia artist Ava Blitz and an amazing variety of community volunteers. During an eighteen-month residency, the artist collaborated with high school and college students, teachers, accountants, architects, veterinary scientists, lawyers, 
contractors, homemakers, bankers, retirees, parents, and many others who donated hundreds of hours of time and effort. During the three phases of planning and execution, participants learned the techniques and skills of sand casting, carving, mold-making, and pouring concrete. In the final phase, colored patinas (finishes) were applied by hand to 112 five-foot high concrete elements.
Beauty and The Beast invites many interpretations. Based on organic forms that are both realistic and abstract, the sculpture changes with the times of day, the weather and the seasons. Night lighting creates an otherworldly glow. It is the largest community art project undertaken by the Center and a sense of pride and accomplishment was felt by all involved. The sculpture continues to amaze and delight visitors to the Center. Major support for the project was received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Engelhard Corporation and numerous other Community Arts Outreach Program funders and local businesses.
