Artist's Intent

"Bella Appollonia" was inspired by theGreek and Roman antiquities as well as painting, music, architechture, literature and poetry. Named after Appollo, the Greek God of Muses, this feminine version (Appollonia) presents a classic design witha contemporary style. The artwork stands with one foot on a giant paint tube, her pallet repleat with brilliant dabs of colors. She holds her brushes high in a triumphant position, as if to say "Art conquers all".

The Process

In order to create the statue, the artist first modeled the figure ion clay. This small scale maquette was used to make a full sized clay model along with wax and plaster casts of figure. Molten bronze was poured into the casts which were then welded together and polished smooth. The surface was chemically treated with a patina for color, and then gold leaf was applied for highlights

About the Artist:

Audrey Flack is a pioneer of Photorealism and an internationally recognized painter and sculptor. Her work is in the collections of major museums around the world and is featured in the 7th edition of Janson’s History of Art. Audrey Flack holds a graduate degree and an honorary doctorate from Cooper Union in New York City and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University. She lives and works in East Hampton and New York City.

Community Unity

Two 40" tall bronze maquettes of the sculpture and a full sized bust were also created for this project. These smaller sculptures will be installed inside Edgecomb Courthouse and at related court facilities throughout Hillsborough County.

Site Description:

Edgecomb Courthouse
On January 29, 2004, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court dedicated the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in honor of Hillsborough County’s first African-American judge. The Honorable Judge George E. Edgecomb was invested as a county judge on August 13, 1973. He was also the first African-American Chief Assistant County Solicitor and Hillsborough County’s first African-American Assistant State Attorney.