Statue of Saint Clare

The Statue of Saint Clare has continued to amaze residents and visitors to Santa Clara, California for decades. The surrounding area speaks to those who visit perhaps because of the water, gardens, and natural trees that surround the statue. The Statue of Saint Clare was created by Anne Van Kleek. It stands in front of Santa Clara City Hall.

On a plaque below the statue is "Bronze Statue cast by Ancient Lost Wax Process in Italy, 1965". The statue uses this ancient technique in order to create an interesting and amazing bronze statue. The bronze has faded to a green tint due to weather conditions in California, which is not unheard of. Bronze tends to green over time due to elements and oxidation.

Saint Clare is the patron saint of Santa Clara, hence the reason for the statue to be built near the city hall. The statue was built in Italy then shipped around Cape Horn in order to get it to Santa Clara. The statue sits atop a great concrete block in the center of a manmade pond. The pond has several concrete flower pots, a small water fall, and natural Californian trees surrounding it.