Mother and Child Restoration
May 31, 1999—Artist Sharon Koehler has begun restoration of Lenore
Thomas's Mother and Child sculpture at Greenbelt Center (now called Roosevelt
Center).
The Indiana limestone sculpture was in terrible condition, suffering from vandalism, environmental damage, and chips. Ms. Koehler will clean the statue, replace chipped of portions with artificial stone, and refine statue to clearly delineate smoothed-over sharp corners.
She works on the statue every weekday, weather permitting. You can observe her working at the Roosevelt Center plaza.
During the restoration, Ms. Koehler uncovered the original base with a water fountain. Local residents recall drinking from it in their youths. They ask for your support writing letters to the Greenbelt City Council recommending the restoration of the water fountain.
The sculpture restoration is part of a larger project to revitalize Roosevelt Center. The new appearance will not replicate the original 1930's look, but will be closer to it. The city may also replace the recent stairwell near the statue with one similar to the original stairwell behind the statue. When she completes the Mother and Child sculpture restoration, Ms. Koehler will examine frieze on community center to assess its preservation needs.
According to Barbara Simon, the Arts Representative on the Ad Hoc Committee to advise the city on the restoration of the statue, the City of Greenbelt is funding the restoration. Prince George's County Council Member Audrey Scott contributed some of her discretionary funds and Maryland State Senator Leo Green is working to arrange state funding.
Created Monday, May 31, 1999; Modified Tuesday, November 28, 2006.