User:Stevenweitzman/sandbox

Steven Weitzman has He began a successful professional career as a freelance illustrator and painter, and received numerous art and design awards for his graphic designs. Quickly his work expanded to include fine art and large-scale public art installations, and throughout the 1980′s sculpture dominated his artwork. In 1985, Weitzman garnered wide international recognition when he created a sculpture on the grounds of the United Nations, in New York City. This sculpture was dedicated for the United Nations’ Fortieth Anniversary Celebration. In 1989, the Smithsonian Institution’s non-profit partner, Friends of the National Zoo ,commissioned Steven to create a 30′ sculpture for the entrance to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. This hand-carved sculpture was crafted from a 30-foot-tall white oak and was commissioned as a tribute to the many volunteers that have helped contribute to the zoo over the years. An estimated four million people observed the artist at work during the two years it took to carve the white oak.

Steve Weitzman’s art has become part of Maryland’s history and America’s history, from some of his earlier works of art “The Learning Tree” Which was carved from the Wye Oak. The official Maryland’s State tree, an uncommon magnificent specimen of White Oak. It was located at Wye Oak State Park in Talbot County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. On June 6, 2002, the tree was felled during a powerful thunderstorm. Estimated to be nearly 500 years old, the Wye Oak was the largest white oak tree on record, both in Maryland and the nation. To preserve the historical value of this tree Steven Weitzman was commissioned to create a carving from one of the trees branches, which would be known as the “The Learning Tree” which now occupies the Smith Center's main building, White Oak Hall. Among some of his art work is the statue of Fredrick Douglas which on June 19th 2013 took its place in history in the United States Capital buildings in the Emancipation Hall. The unveiling ceremony was held by U.S. congress to commemorate this historic occasion.