Artwork Record

Images

1 of 1977

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Additional Images [2]

Metadata

Title

Inspiration [aka Myrna Loy Sculpture]

Date

1921; 2010

Object Name

Sculpture

Description

Also known as "Fountain of Education" original, 1921. The original fountain is an allegorical piece that depicts a central standing female figure (Aspiration/Joy of Achievement) and 2 kneeling male figures (Manual Labor and Fine and Intellectual Arts). Sculptor Harry Weinbrenner, Art Department Chairman at Venice HS, used a shy young student, Myrna Williams, as his model. With the start of her motion picture career, this shy student later became known as Myrna Loy.

Statue was repaired by William Van Orden twice during the 1980s until deterioration required removal in the 2000s. Oct. 4, 2004 LA Times article indicates that in 2003 the sculpture was found on campus "discarded and headless."

April 2010 original sculpture no longer exists, Venice Alumni Assoc. commissioned and installed a new sculpture (re-creation of the original) in bronze. The re-creation was completed through the generosity and hard work of Peter Schwab '61, Laura Ferre '76 , and the Venice High Alumni Association, countless VHS Alumni and the Venice community. Dedicated and Celebrated April 10, 2010.

Catalog Number

SC54

School Site #

8907

School Name

Venice Senior High

Material

Bronze

Artist

Earnest Earl Shelton

Role Artist

Sculptor

Artist 2

Harry Weinbrenner

Role Artist 2