“The Children of Ballantrae” – Funded by Ballantrae Homeowners Association, Dublin, Ohio

In response to the Ballantrae homeowner’s association’s desire for a public sculpture, Michael Tizzano’s idea was to create an imaginative piece depicting children playing atop of several huge limestone blocks, as in “king of the mountain”. These rough-hewn stones, formerly in use locally as 19th century bridge supports, compliment the many monoliths erected throughout this golf course community, reminiscent of those found in ancient Scotland.

The sculptor suggested performing the work as a visiting artist in the neighborhood’s Washington Elementary School, selecting three of its students as models for the children to be sculpted. Partnering with the school’s principal and the art teacher, a system was devised allowing students from their art classes to take turns in witnessing the sculpture being fabricated, from start to finish, with opportunities to ask lots of questions of Mr. Tizzano.

“This was a truly rewarding experience, having the opportunity to work with children again after having retired from teaching middle school art several years earlier. Nine months of interacting with the many curious and delightful students, from kindergarten to sixth grade, created a bond that I will always cherish!”

Michael Tizzano