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St. Petersburg Unveils New Bronze Statue of Local Icons

The newly unveiled bronze statue of Albert and Jane Vondersaar in downtown St. Petersburg.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is set to unveil a larger-than-life bronze statue honoring local icons Albert and Jane Vondersaar. Commissioned by John Catsimatidis Sr. of Red Apple Group, the statue will be featured at the entry of the upcoming Residences at 400 Central. Created by sculptor Mark Aeling, this tribute captures the couple’s legacy and love for the city, embodying the spirit of the St. Petersburg community.

St. Petersburg Welcomes New Bronze Statue of Local Icons Albert and Jane Vondersaar

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as local sculptor Mark Aeling takes on an impressive new project: a larger-than-life bronze statue honoring the late Albert and Jane Vondersaar. This remarkable tribute is being commissioned by the influential New York developer, John Catsimatidis Sr., who is at the helm of the Red Apple Group. The statue will take a prime position at the entrance of the highly anticipated Residences at 400 Central, a stylish 46-story addition set to bring new life to downtown St. Petersburg.

Honoring Local Legends

Albert and Jane Vondersaar weren’t just any ordinary couple; they were passionately involved in the fabric of St. Petersburg life, and their legacy will soon be immortalized in bronze. These beloved local residents are also the parents of Margo Catsimatidis, who is delighted that the new residences will serve as a dedication to her parents. This is a fitting tribute for a couple who cherished the city’s culture, arts, and beautiful waterfront.

Community Celebration

The decision to create this statue comes fueled by the Vondersaars’ enduring love for St. Petersburg, something that deeply resonated with Catsimatidis as he chose to invest in the area. The Catsimatidis family has set the stage for what promises to be a memorable reveal later this year, with residents eager to gather and celebrate the unveiling of this stunning sculpture.

Returning to Roots

Mark Aeling, the creative force behind the statue, has been busy for the past six months laying the groundwork for this special piece. Notably, this project marks a return to Aeling’s roots in figurative art. He started his journey in sculpture and woodcarving before turning to large-scale public art projects. Now, he feels that his extensive background is perfectly positioned to bring the intricate details of the Vondersaars to life.

A Deep Dive into the Process

Working out of his MFA Sculpture Studio located in St. Petersburg’s vibrant Warehouse Arts District, Aeling is also the president of the Warehouse Arts District Association, further showcasing his commitment to the local arts scene. For this statue, the Catsimatidis family provided Aeling with a cherished photograph of the couple, captured during a moment of tenderness back when they were likely in their early ‘60s. In the original photo, the Vondersaars are seen on a beach, dressed in casual work attire and embracing each other—an undeniably sweet moment.

Transforming Memories into Art

Aeling seeks to elevate the original image, granting the Vondersaars a new “night on the town” look in their bronze representation. To perfect the formal pose and clothing style, Aeling and his wife took to modeling in formal attire, ensuring every angle was captured for accuracy. This dedication to detail showcases Aeling’s commitment to portraying the couple with the utmost respect and honor.

A Step-by-Step Creation

In crafting this beloved pair, Aeling starts with pliable urethane, allowing him to build each figure before he transitions into applying modeling clay for finer details, particularly the expressions that tell the Vondersaars’ unique story. Once the couple’s likeness is finalized and approved, the final steps involve creating a mold and casting the statue in stunning bronze. This meticulous process reflects not just skill, but an art form that bridges history with artistry.

A Community’s Anticipation

As the completion date draws near, anticipation within the St. Petersburg community continues to grow. Many residents look forward to seeing the Vondersaars immortalized in art at the entrance of the Residences at 400 Central. This statue won’t just serve as a tribute to Albert and Jane, but also as a celebration of the spirit of St. Petersburg itself and the profound impacts residents can have on their communities.