Renowned artist Angela Mia De la Vega donates sculpture to City of St. George
“Anika” included in 2021 Art Around the Corner show, will be given permanent home within city limits
ST. GEORGE — At the Feb. 4 meeting of the St. George City Council, Dallas-based artist Angela Mia De la Vega was honored for the gift of her bronze sculpture, “Anika,” to the City. De la Vega generously donated the artwork – valued at $8,500 – to become part of the City’s permanent public art collection, following its installation as part of the current Art Around the Corner outdoor sculpture gallery.
Standing 3-feet tall, “Anika” clutches a duckling to her chest while gazing off into the distance. De la Vega crafted and named the sculpture in honor of her then 3-year-old goddaughter, whose mother grew up on a farm.
“Anika’s mom definitely encouraged her children to love animals and nature, so the duckling represents that love,” De la Vega said. “As it turns out, Anika is now 14 and a fantastic artist in her own right.”
De la Vega, a lifelong sculptor, says her artistic talents became evident at a young age.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing,” she recalled. “Also, my mom always said that I started sculpting my mashed potatoes when I was still in my high-chair. She and my stepfather were both educators, and they supported and nurtured my love of art throughout my life.”
A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, De la Vega completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the University of Madrid, Spain. She is a member of the National Sculpture Society, American Women Artists and was named a Living Master by the prestigious Art Renewal Center.
“Freedom of spirit is my work’s purpose: to uplift and inspire feelings of pure love and joy,” De la Vega said. “When I heard that ‘Anika’ had been well-received by the St. George community while she was part of the Art Around the Corner show and that she was bringing people joy, I just felt that she needed to stay in St. George. As an artist, it’s very affirming to know that your work has been embraced and celebrated.”
St. George Mayor Michele Randall said De la Vega’s donation is greatly appreciated by the entire St. George community.
“Anika perfectly embodies the innocence of the very young,” Randall said. “She will be prized by everyone who sees her, for years to come.”
The sculpture will be installed at a permanent location, with the site to be determined.
About Art Around the Corner
The Art Around the Corner Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, enriching the community, and bringing fine art to the heart of historic St. George. The Foundation’s flagship project is its Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, a collection of sculptures from nationally renowned artists. The show changes each spring, with approximately two dozen pieces installed annually.