Save this important work of art from demolition

Hi, my name is Lindsey Felch I am fundraising to save an important work of art from being demolished. The Grover Cleveland Loening wall is an 11' x 27' carved terracotta mural created by my father, Bernard Felch. This piece, commissioned by the Loening Family, is located in the Spencer Laboratory, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Building, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. The building is undergoing major renovations starting in spring 2023, so the mural needs to be carefully removed in sections and crated or it will be demolished. Funds must be raised to have it professionally disassembled and saved. The clock is ticking!!! A comprehensive plan prepared by Lodestone, Philadelphia, PA. to remove, crate and store the piece will cost $48,000. I have raised $3000 so far, and thanks to a dear friend who just sent me $500 I am lowering the goal to $44,500 to reflect this generous donation.

The terracotta mural celebrates Grover Cleveland Loening (1889-1976), a distinguished aircraft pilot, designer, builder, author and aeronautical advisor who was the recipient of many awards, worked with Orville Wright and was inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame.

In 1983 Bernard Felch (1925-2008), a noted sculptor from Pennsylvania was commissioned to create a mural depicting images of Loening, his inventions, aeronautic symbols and elements. After doing extensive research, he spent over 370 hours carving 656 leather hard, oversized red bricks on a huge easel at the Glen Gary Brick Company, York, PA. where the bricks were produced and fired. He constructed the wall to be a permanent asset to the building, students and faculty.

This is an amazing major work of art that cannot be duplicated and deserves to live on to be appreciated by future generations of art lovers, scientists and the general public. It can be saved! It can be taken apart and crated safely. With the necessary funds raised, Lodestone can complete its work before the deadline. Then, an appropriate public site will be found where it can be permanently installed to continue to teach, awe, inspire and document the talents of both the artist and scientist. Preserving and saving works of art for history is just as important as building for the future. Please help, thank you.