🍓 Sculpting Heritage: How Patinas Brought the Strawberry Zest to Life in Garden Grove
Behind the Bronze: The Making of a Monumental Sculpture with American Fine Arts Foundry
Public art can tell a story before a single word is spoken—and the newly completed Strawberry Zest sculpture does just that. Cast and patinated by the experts at American Fine Arts Foundry, this bold and symbolic piece captures the spirit of Garden Grove’s agricultural roots in bronze form.
Set to be unveiled in front of Fire Station 84 on Valley View Street, Strawberry Zest is more than just a sculpture—it’s a celebration of community heritage, artistic vision, and technical mastery.
🍊 A Strawberry Emerges from an Orange Peel: A Sculptural Tribute to the Past
Designed by local artist Jennifer Stewart, Strawberry Zest is a six-foot-tall bronze sculpture weighing approximately 960 pounds. The work features a striking image: a strawberry emerging from an orange peel, a layered metaphor honoring Garden Grove’s legacy as a strawberry-growing capital.
Commissioned and funded in part by the Garden Grove Community Foundation and championed by City Councilmember George Brietigam, the sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the area’s rich agricultural past and its ongoing investment in public art.
🔥 Patinas as Symbol and Surface
American Fine Arts Foundry played a pivotal role in bringing Strawberry Zest to life, handling every stage from mold-making to bronze casting and the final application of its signature patinas.
The foundry’s artisans applied a vibrant, naturalistic red patina to the strawberry form, using layers of ferric nitrate and cupric tones to create depth and contrast. The orange peel was given a golden-yellow hue with a satin finish—achieved through heat-applied chemical patinas and hand-burnishing—to suggest the brightness and vitality of citrus fruit.
The subtle sheen, texture, and coloration are not just decorative—they tell the story of ripeness, growth, and the passing of seasons. This is patina as poetry, guided by the alchemical traditions of bronze finishing.
🏗️ Built to Last: Engineering Bronze for Public Space
The sculpture’s installation at Fire Station 84 reflects American Fine Arts Foundry’s dedication to durability, safety, and public engagement. Working closely with the artist and the city, AFA ensured the sculpture met structural codes and would withstand environmental conditions without compromising aesthetic detail.
The piece was delivered and installed ahead of the city’s planned unveiling event, with promotional photography to follow after the official public debut.
🍓 Garden Grove’s Story Cast in Bronze
Strawberry Zest is a triumph of storytelling through sculpture. It speaks to the land, the people, and the transformation of history into form. With the expertise of American Fine Arts Foundry, this sculpture now stands as a proud, permanent part of Garden Grove’s identity.
Stay tuned for official unveiling photos—until then, take a closer look at what makes sculptures like this so enduring by exploring the secrets of patination with our free guide.
Patinas for Silicon Bronze
by Patrick Kipper
Filled with a wide array of patina choices and foundational knowledge on the patination process.
This guide is invaluable for artists at any stage of their creative journey, offering deep dives into the world of finishes that can elevate the storytelling of your sculpture.
American Fine Arts is excited to offer a complimentary copy of the 3rd Edition of this invaluable book to artists located in the USA and Canada.** With only 300 copies now available, this is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the secret art of bronze coloration, courtesy of Patrick V. Kipper. Claim your free copy now and discover the potential finishes that could complete your artistic statement.
Unlock the secret to a stunning bronze finishes
At American Fine Arts Foundry, we’ve dedicated over 40 years to mastering the craft of bronze foundry work, offering our clients unparalleled expertise and insight into the transformative process of creating fine art bronzes. With our expert guide to the patination process—a crucial final step that transforms a raw casting into a work of art.
American Fine Arts Foundry worked closely with the Garden Grove local artist Jennifer Stewart who designed and created the sculpture.
Professionalism + Experience
Discover the Art of Patination
After the casting process, every sculpture enters its most transformative phase: patination. This is where skilled techniques and carefully selected chemicals work together to develop rich, varied hues and textures, enhancing both detail and depth. Our guide explores how the patination process can elevate the aesthetic quality of your work, offering insights into various finishes—from deep, aged patinas to vibrant, modern effects.
A Gallery of Possibilities
Browse through our collection of photographs showcasing a range of patinated finishes. Each image is a testament to the meticulous foundry craftsmanship that brings out the character in every sculpture. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle elegance of a weathered bronze or the bold impact of a high-gloss finish, you’ll find inspiration in our curated visuals.
Transform Your Sculpture Today
Ready to elevate your art? Claim your free copy of our comprehensive guide, “Master Bronze Patination,” and discover practical tips, techniques, and insider secrets that will empower you to create exceptional patinas on your own pieces.
