American University Dedicates Tolstoy Sculpture by Renowned Russian Artist Gregory Pototsky

Written by Administrator | 17 November 2012

American University's College of Arts and Sciences installed a bust of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy created by prominent Russian sculptor, Gregory Pototsky, near the Eric Friedheim Quad on the north side of the Battelle-Tompkins building on Thursday, November 15, 2012.

More than 70 of Pototsky's busts, sculptures, and monuments grace important buildings around the world, including the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

The gift of the sculpture was made possible following a visit by Susan E. Lehrman, Initiative for Russian Culture (IRC) advisory board chair, and Anton Fedyashin, IRC executive director, with the artist in Moscow last summer. The mission of the IRC is to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and Russia through cultural interaction, which inspired Mr. Pototsky to offer a bronze bust of Tolstoy to American University. The bust is dedicated during Pototsky's current visit to the United States.

Pototsky spent the morning at American University starting with a master class for a group of sculpture students. Pototsky fashioned a bust of Susan Lehrman while demonstrating his techniques to students and speaking about his life and his work.

The Tolstoy sculpture was unveiled at the installation ceremony attended by students and other members of the AU community and Russian dignitaries, including the Russian Ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislayak, and descendants of Tolstoy.

American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation's capital and around the world.

Photo Caption: Professor Vladimir Tolstoy, Dean Peter Starr, IRC Executive Director Dr. Anton Fedyashin, IRC Advisory Chair Susan E. Lehrman, Dr. Eric Lohr, AU Russian Cultural Chair. Photo courtesy of the Initiative for Russian Culture.