Guardian of the Arts

A Public Art Project Commissioned by the MECF for the community of Mount Gretna

THE GUARDIAN OF THE ARTS - Standing at the northeast corner of the historic Mount Gretna Playhouse, the Guardian of the Arts is a 12-foot bronze public sculpture and water feature unveiled on May 24, 2025. Commissioned by the Mim Enck Charitable Foundation, this permanent installation celebrates local culture and honors the patrons, volunteers, and creators who sustain our community's artistic spirit

  • The Vision: An elegant bronze figure integrating light and cascading water.

  • The Symbolism: Flowing water drops represent the continuous sharing and support of the arts, spreading the importance of the equal weight of science, philosophy, and the arts.

 The Sculptor: Cory Wanamaker is a Pennsylvania native and internationally recognized artist.  He treats public art as a conduit for deep cultural understanding. Cory has lived and worked across six countries including England, China, Chechia, Russia, and Argentina, Wanamaker considers Mount Gretna his definitive creative home.

"My appreciation for Mount Gretna is deeply rooted in my childhood in rural Lebanon County... As we enter the tree canopy, I know we are close, and I feel a sense of home." — Cory Wanamaker

 Artist Highlights

  • Pedigree: MFA-IA from Goddard College and B.S. in Art Education from Millersville University

  • Honors: Recognized globally as a Fulbright Fellow and Internationally collected Artist.

  • Global Aesthetic: Renowned for using interdisciplinary techniques and local materials such as gunpowder and wine to create one-of-a-kind works.

 Crafted with Community - True to Wanamaker’s philosophy of "Living Globally, Working Locally," the production was deeply collaborative:

  • The Bronze: Cast locally by A.R.T. Research Enterprises in Lancaster, PA.

  • Landscape & Stonework: Features a custom stone base designed by Wanamaker and brought to life by local landscape artist Ryan Fretz, who also implemented the surrounding greenery to match Gretna’s natural tree canopy.

  • Community Glass: The vibrant green glass elements at the base of the sculpture were created by collecting recycled wine bottles directly from local Mount Gretna community members.

📞 Contact & Commissions - Wanamaker continues to take private commissions that focus in telling the stories of individuals, families, experiences, and communities.