JOSEPH VAN WOLF AT HIS FATHER'S FAMOUS SCULPTURE IN VAN NUYS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY   2012

It rained hard on Friday night, and as much as the San Fernando Valley needed the water, Richard Hilton kept his fingers crossed that the weather would clear for The Museum's historic walking tour of Van Nuys. It did!  

A modest group of walking tourists joined Hilton, Director of Museum Tours and Adventures, despite dire predictions of downpours. In actuality, one couldn't ask for a better day for the two and a half walk. It was cool and crisp, but not cold. 

 Joseph Van Wolf stands by the sculpture of Fernando by his father Henry Van Wolf. January 2012

(click on photograph to enlarge it)

A special treat awaited our intrepid walkers, when they stopped to learn about the famous Fernando sculpture standing in front of the court buildings. Among the walkers was Joseph Van Wolf, the son of the statue's sculptor Henry Van Wolf. Joe shared stories about how his dad had him flex his arms and hands as models, as well as how the massive sculpture piece was made and transported to the heart of Van Nuys and the center of the San Fernando Valley.

 

HENRY VAN WOLF IMMINENT SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SCULPTOR

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

If you have admired the handsome bronze Native American statue in the Van Nuys Administrative Center, you have seen the marvelous work of the late San Fernando Valley sculptor Henry Van Wolf. The landmark statue, generally referred to as "Fernando" represents our Valley's Tongva heritage, was erected in the Civic Plaza in 1968. It's original image was bright gold.

Fernando statue at the Van Nuys Civic Center by Henry Van Wolf - photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph Van Wolf 2011 - (click on image to enlarge) Photo number 4088

Henry Van Wolf, imminent San Fernando Valley sculptor, inspects his statue of Fernando in 1968. Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph Van Wolf 2011 - (click on image to enlarge) Photo number 4086