Gallery of Available Sculptures by Avard T. Fairbanks

Fantasy and Allegorical Sculpture by Avard T. Fairbanks

The Fairbanks family has sculptures or molds for these specific pieces, and we welcome inquiries about availability.
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Rain

Bronze

In Rain, the sculptor has incorporated elements of rhythmic patterns with human configuration, symbolic of the effect of gravity on a droplet of water, with an outline simulating a teardrop. It is repeated in the droplets clinging to the shoulders, creating the impression of a moisture replenishment to the Earth. Rain embodies purity in form and excellence of beauty. The head-dress figuratively adorns the human features of flowing hair to render aquatic simulation. Its seven segments represent the seven prismatic colors of a rainbow. This graceful garden figure was created for the North American Garden Show in Detroit in 1933, and also exhibited at the annual sculpture exhibit at the University of Michigan. Rain was later selected for permanent exhibit at the famous Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina to represent Dr. Fairbanks' sculpture.

Moonbeam

Bronze. Size: 1/2 Life, 22"

Issue: 50

This is a companion piece to Sunshine. While teaching sculpture at the institute of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan, Avard Fairbanks was requested to create fantasy statuary for the North American Flower Show held annually in Detroit. For Moonbeam he chose the daughter of a neighbor who was about the same age and size. Sunshine portrays a happy, playful and radiant boy, while moonbeam represent a gentle and serene little girl. Several plaster casts have been exhibited in various art shows, and subsequent casts have been made in bronze.

Sunshine

Bronze. Size: 1/2 Life, 22"

Issue: 50

This is a companion piece to Moonbeam. While teaching sculpture at the institute of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan, Avard Fairbanks was requested to create fantasy statuary for the North American Flower Show held annually in Detroit. One year, 1934, he chose children as subjects, using one of his young sons as a model for Sunshine. Sunshine portrays a happy, playful and radiant boy. Several plaster casts have been exhibited in various art shows, and subsequent casts have been made in bronze.

Pele, The Hawaiian Volcano Goddess

Bronze. Size: 1/8 Life, 6"
Bronze. Size: 1/4 life, 27", Base: 8' diameter, black marble
Foundry: Valley Bronze, Joseph, Oregon

Issue: 75

In 1917, while creating sculpture for the LDS Hawaiian Temple, Avard visited the Kilauea Crater, home of Pele. It was a very active volcano at that time and he was impressed both with the legend, and the tremendous display of incandescent magma. He had planned to portray this awesome, powerful yet beautiful goddess in statuary form, and he modeled a small sketch. When his son Eugene discovered the sketch among unfinished projects, he asked that Avard create a 1/4-size statuette in a demonstration lecture. The photo shown is cast bronze.