Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Untitled by Samuel Maitin

Sam Maitin (1928-2004) was known as Philadelphia's Mayor of the arts in his lifetime, so deep were his involvements in the city's cultural life. He served on Woodmere's board of trustees and supported countless other organizations across the city, volunteering time and generously contributing designs for posters, invitations, emblems, mosaics, murals and even building facades. Untitled is his only monumental sculpture in the city of Philadelphia, although it joins two other smaller works in Woodmere's collection of the same period. Fabricated according to the artist's intent and using the same paint and materials, it makes a big statement. Bird-like, it reaches upward and spreads its wings. Clean lines, playful color, and simple forms remind us of all that is beautiful in the living environment of nature.