Artist unveils plans for Champions Plaza at Lakeview Commons

Sculptor Gareth Curtiss, the artist chosen to create the bronze statue in South Lake Tahoe's Champions Plaza, unveiled the design during Tuesday'st City Council meeting.

The five to ten foot sculpture represents a flame with three men coming out of it to reach the golden ring, much like children reaching for the brass ring on a historic merry-go-round.

The ring at the top, about 18" in size, will be the top of the 1,500 pound bronze creation that Curtiss will create in his studios in Montana.

Some concern by Council members was made because the three spirits coming out of the flame were male and all Olympic medal winners from South Lake Tahoe have been female. Curtiss explained that they are more spirits, as in the spirit of competition, and not meant to be a gender.

The clay prototype was shown during the meeting, a shortened version of the final bronze sculpture.

"The stature represents the element of competition reaching out for the brass ring," explained Curtiss.

"A beautiful job," said Councilman Tom Davis. "It's awesome!" added Mayor Wendy David.

Curtiss plans to have the flame cast done by Christmas or New Years, bronze poured by April and installed at Champions Plaza in Summer, 2017. Council plans a celebration and unveiling of the local athlete names that will be remembered in stone in a ceremony at that time.