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Why we love Glenna?
A painter by training and education, it took a challenge to sculpt a lump of wax to lead Glenna Goodacre to the art of sculpture. A mother of two (son Tim and daughter Jill Connick, wife of DOL favorite, Harry Connick, Jr.), Glenna's work often celebrates the achievements and struggles of women.As her commissions increased, so has her reputation for capturing the American experience in bronze.
Her bronze monument honoring the women who served in Vietnam brought recognition not only to her but, more importantly, to the women who served and died during the war. Depicting three nurses tending a wounded soldier, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial was added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or The Wall designed by Maya Lin in 1993.
An award winning portrait artist, Glenna submitted three designs for the new US gold dollar which required the obverse (or heads) show "depict one or more women, but could not depict a living person." Her design of Sacagewa in three-quarter profile with her son, Jean-Baptiste was chosen.
From coins to grand installations like "The Great Hunger" commemorating the Irish immigrants in America during the potato famine years, Glenna's art continues to honor the people and experiences that have built America.
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In her own words -- On having confidence in yourself:
"Ambition can get you into trouble sometimes. But you know, I have a lot of self-confidence. I don't think there is anything that I cannot do. But the reality of time and physical exertion makes you realize there are a lot of things you can't do, and you just need to be wise in your selection."
In her own words -- On knowing your audience:
"Two critics for my Vietnam Women's Memorial lambasted me. Of course, it bothered me, but I've gotten over it, because I sculpted it to honor a distinct group of women whom I admired and focused upon their contributions. I have heard from so many of them how that sculpture has helped them deal with the Vietnam War; it has changed their lives. Vietnam War; it has changed their lives. Which is more important, to have a positive response from those women or a good review from some critic?"
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