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News Release Bronze Sculptures for Play Area October 11, 1989 Page 2 The c for of the finished pieces reflects to some degree the color of the animal represented. For example, Helzer said the skunks are black with stripes in a white patina. The patinas used on the sculptures are safe for children a d have been wire brushed and scrubbed before installation. Helzer added that he has paid particular attention to eliminating any sharp areas that are o ten left from the bronze casting process. The a imals appear to be popular with the children who use the area. He says that hile installing them, kids talked to, hugged and kissed, and climbed al over the sculptures even before he could bolt them down. The p oject was initiated in 1987 when two blocks of the downtown mall was renova ed and a large concrete and wood play structure was removed and replaced b a smaller, more open play area for children. The new 54-foot by 30-foot ply area was designed with five wing walls that would extend into ~ the play s ace, creating pedestals for art work. Fundi g and selection of art for the play area was a joint project of the city's Visual Arts Commission and the Downtown Commission. The two commissio s selected Helzer from eight artists who responded to the city's request f r proposals. The Downtown Commission provided $6,000 for the $13,000 p oject, with the balance coming from the Arts in Public Places Ordinance from funds that were set aside during the renovation of the mall. Othe well known works by Helzer include the two dancers displayed in the lobby of the Hult Center, a small turtle created for the new EWEB offices, nd the tower of turtles, titled "Street Theater Turtles," recently installed at the entrance to the Portland Children's Zoo, which has become the most hotographed item at the zoo. Helzer is currently at work on a sculpture for the Mount Pisgah Arboretum.