Some 30 artists converged to paint images of American urban life. The newly opened Americana at Brand, allowed us to paint the splendor and vibrancy of this beautiful location. With its classic architecture, bandstand, statues, synchronized fountains, tram, uniformed conductors not to mention the storefronts, shoppers, diners and families who come to enjoy the atmosphere, there was a wealth of subject matter to paint and draw.

Originated by Glendale resident Becky Mate, the second Friday in August is the annual International Art Day, the day dedicated to the appreciation of the arts, artists of all disciplines, art collectors, arts organizations and supporters. For the third consecutive year Glendale has recognized International Art Day, and Glendale is the home of Art Day.

Favorite Subject On Art Day?
Spirit of American Youth

FACTS: Re-creation of the sculpture at the Omaha Beach Memorial in France.

Title: "Spirit of American Youth"

Artist: The original was created in 1949 by American sculptor Donald Harcourt De Lue to commemorate D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Why it was chosen: Developer Rick Caruso believes the piece both honors the history of America and celebrates its future.

Where: De Lue's Polich Tallix Foundry recreated the statue in New York using the original plaster prototype.

Discovered: Childs Gallery, Newbury Street, Boston represents the estate of Donald De Lue. Ms. Stephanie Bond, Childs Gallery vice-president, was kind enough to let me know about Caruso's selection of the Spirit of American Youth. "It was at our gallery where Mr. Caruso discovered the work of Donald De Lue and subsequently the original plaster." Child's Gallery gallery currently houses 61 works of art (drawings and sculpture) by De Lue. They are posted on their website and available for sale. Find out more about Donald De Lue and his work at the Child Gallery.

Height: 18 feet tall
Weight: 2,500 pounds +
Finish: Gilded in 22-carat gold leaf.

DeLue was one of the greatest monumental sculptors in America. In the late 1930s he led the "modernist giant," or "heroic" movement, which magnified the musculature of the body.

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Donald Harcourt De Lue