The Timeless Impact of Art: A Journey Through Wenatchee's Bronze Legacy
In the ever-changing tapestry of life, art remains a constant thread that binds us all. This month, I had the privilege of talking with Don Collins and Adele Wolford, two individuals who embody the heart and soul of Wenatchee's art community. Our discussion centered around the influential Art on the Avenues and Beauty of Bronze programs, which have become integral to the town's cultural fabric.
Walking through Adele Wolford’s historic Wenatchee home, I was struck by her eagerness to share the story behind each bronze sculpture. She pointed to a man in one of her photographs, "That’s Kevin Pettelle, a good friend of mine." Recognizing Pettelle’s name from the statues lining Wenatchee Avenue, I knew he was a significant figure in this narrative.
Don Collins, the current president of Beauty of Bronze, recounted his lifelong passion for art, which began in childhood when he left a handprint in the clay by a creek. After spending 35 years as an art teacher, 34 of them at Wenatchee High School, Collins retired but remained a steadfast advocate for art education.
Adele Wolford’s journey is equally compelling. Initially drawn to art and horses, she pursued a degree in architecture at the University of Washington. Her professional path eventually led her to champion the integration of art into downtown Wenatchee. Inspired by a town with similar sculptures, she enlisted the support of her friend Wilfred Woods, who encouraged her with the words, "Go for it, Queenie." This marked the inception of Wenatchee’s bronze art collection, starting with Richard Beyer’s "Coyote Reading a Candy Wrapper," which still stands proudly in front of the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center. Thanks to Wolford's efforts, artists nationwide lent their sculptures, enriching the town’s cultural landscape. Today, Wenatchee hosts 89 bronze sculptures, now maintained by the city under Wolford’s guidance.
In 2003, Art on the Avenues took a transformative turn with the introduction of Jeanette Marantos. As a continuing education student in Collins' Art Elementary class, Marantos expressed a desire to connect children with bronze art. Guided by Collins and equipped with a small ingot of wax from Kevin Pettelle, she initiated the Beauty of Bronze program. This program started at Columbia Elementary School, allowing students to create their own bronze sculptures under Pettelle’s guidance. Over the years, it expanded to include multiple schools, reaching over 800 fifth-grade students annually. After Marantos stepped down, Rozanne Lind continued her legacy until her passing in 2019.
The Beauty of Bronze program has profoundly impacted countless lives over its 21-year history. In the words of Michelangelo, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free,” a sentiment that echoes through the streets of Wenatchee, where art continues to inspire and liberate.
If you would like to donate to the Beauty of Bronze program, please make checks payable to Beauty of Bronze and sent to Beauty of Bronze P.O. Box 3325, Wenatchee, WA 98807.
If you have any questions about the program or would like to get involved, please email BeautyOfBronzeNCW@gmail.com.