The small and humble bust of the founder of our fair city, Dr. David Burbank, is located beside the Downtown Public Library, at 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., facing Olive Avenue. It was created by artist, Rick Doray and has been on display since 1978. It sits atop 4 time capsules placed there on July 4th, 1977. Each to be opened on Independence day of 2001 (already opened), 2026, 2051, 2076.

The piece, called "Requiem," was created by artist Erwin Binder in 1988 and resides in Johnny Carson Park on Riverside Drive between Buena Vista and Bob Hope Drive. The plaque states it is Burbank's tribute to great Americans, "The Defenders of the Constitution" Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, funded by a collection of proud patriots assembled by Mr. Bob Hope and Mayor Michael Hastings.  There is a plaque on the other side naming all the donors.

This evening I was able to capture the piece in truly amazing circumstances. The sun was shining on it perfectly and fortunately for me a gentlemen named Mel who frequents the park with his dog talked with me for a few moments about his appreciation for the sculpture. He wondered if it was controversial because it is abstract. As someone who works in and appreciates abstraction easily, it was interesting to consider the courage it might have taken for Burbank to accept an abstract work.

I think the ambiguous identity of the piece causes it to be as Mel mentioned, a piece that sparks conversation, and also contemplation. It is evocative. I highly recommend walking all the way around three dimensional pieces because different angles provide fresh insights and opportunities for revelation. My first thought, especially after reading the plaque was that it looked like giant tear drops. On the other side I saw victorious arms and strength. As the sun shone through the center I thought of the hope of a new day. Later I considered it could be a perpetual flame of remembrance, or a beacon, like leaving the light on for loved ones to find their way home.

The art in public places website describes the bronze sculpture as an abstract expressionist flame. Yet all the thoughts and feelings that came to my mind and yours are equally valid. That is the glorious thing about art appreciation, each person's opinion is correct! Plus, we can all expand and grow through the conversations art inspires.

A saintly bronze character is found in front of the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at 181 Buena Vista. She is the Blessed Emilie Tavernier Gamelin, the Foundress of the Sisters of Providence. 

Raoul Hunter is the artist whose original cast piece is located in a metro station in Montreal where the shelter she founded once stood. 

This replica and seven others, which are found in Providence institutions around the country, have loaves of bread added to the basket and in her extended hand as seen in the pictures. This represent her tireless efforts to feed and comfort the hungry and misfortunate. 

Blessed Emilie is portrayed with a kind face and as a woman of obvious action. She looks as though she is ready to come right off the pedestal!