Afternoon Breeze, (sculpture).

Afternoon Breeze, (sculpture).

Butler, Roy W., 1946- , sculptor.

Adonis Bronze, founder.

Afternoon Breeze, (sculpture).

Cast Jan. 22, 2008. Intalled May 27, 2008. Dedicated June 27, 2008.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: bronze; Base: concete.

Sculpture: 5 ft. 8 in. x 26 in. x 26 1/2 in.; Base: H. 13 in. x Diam. 36 in.

Figure of a young woman strolling down a Boulder City street, her right hand holding her hat atop her head, and her left hand holding a small purse at her side. The pioneering woman depicted in this life-size bronze sculpture has been created in hi-realism detail with an Art Deco flair. She is dressed in authentic circa 1930-35 clothing and accessories that would have been available to Boulder City residents and reflects a desire to fulfill their destiny that laid the foundation for the Boulder City of today. Harsh living conditions could not dampen the spirit of those hardy women. As Boulder City began to flourish from its humble construction camp beginnings, a new culture began to emerge with its own unique character and personality. Like their sisters in more established cities, they wanted to appear their best when meeting with friends or attending social functions.

Figure female -- Full length

Dress -- Historic -- Thirties Dress

Dress -- Accessory -- Hat

Dress -- Accessory -- Handbag

Outdoor Sculpture -- Nevada -- Boulder City

Administered by City of Boulder City, 401 California Avenue, Boulder City, Nevada 89005

Located Intersection of Nevada Way & Arizona Street, Boulder City, Nevada

The inscription on a bronze plaque on a nearby pedestal reads: Afternoon Breeze / The Depression drew more than the expected male labor force to the Hoover Dam construction project. Along with the men, came hundreds of wives and children. Because Boulder City designers hadn’t planned for family life, the women improvised, shaping the temporary camp into an enduring community. They planted vines and fashioned rugs out of scraps, transforming slapdash houses into pleasant cottages—some of which served as original facilities for the schools, churches, and civic groups they established. Dust and snakes crept through the cracks in their walls, and the heat was often unbearable, but they pressed on, sustained by hard work, ingenuity, and an occasional afternoon breeze.

Butler, Roy W., 2008.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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