Fund-raisers are more than halfway there in their efforts to purchase "Olympic Wannabes," a bronze sculpture by Glenna Goodacre. When installed, the larger-than-life piece will stand in Conner Park, at the corner of Edith Avenue and San Antonio Road in Los Altos.
The artist is best known as the sculptor of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, installed in Washington, D.C. in 1993.
The Los Altos Arts Committee selected the piece for Conner Park and is funding its purchase entirely through private donations. The total cost of the sculpture is $135,000. Currently, the committee has raised approximately $75,000. Conner Park opened to the public in October.
Goodacre has created just 15 "Wannabe" sculptures. One of these was considered for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
"This is my favorite kind of project - lots of happy children in an elaborate composition, which pushes bronze to the limits," Goodacre said. "This was exciting to sculpt and a real challenge."
Connie Chronis, who runs the outdoor sculpture program for the Arts Committee, remembered that when the committee viewed the piece, they "immediately recognized that Goodacre was quite a talent."
Chronis feels optimistic about the fund-raising efforts.
"We've been really heartened by the response we've been getting," she said. "Just about everyone we've come into contact with has unanimously supported the idea."
The first phase of the fund raising involved a direct appeal letter campaign, as well as collecting contributions made to the wall mural at 75 Main St. Chronis and Carol Crites, another committee member who is organizing the campaign, next week plan to seek donations from local businesses.
"Our original goal was to have the funds raised by the end of the year, but we still hope to have the money within the next few months," Chronis said.
She calls the fund raising a "grass-roots effort."
"We just want people to know that any donation is appreciated, large or small," Chronis said. "This is a community effort. We want as many people as possible to play a part in bringing this world-class sculpture to Los Altos."
Donations can be sent in care of the "Olympic Wannabes Fund" at 350 Second St., No. 9, Los Altos 94022.