Sculptor's work takes on life-size proportions

LOW MAINTENANCE- This mare and foal are actually art pieces created by Joe Wertheimer, who recently relocated his business to Agoura Hills. The artist is known for his realistic animal re-creations. Sculptor Joe Wertheimer has moved to Agoura Hills and brought his line of lifesize animals with him.

Wertheimer has been a sculptor for more than 30 years, designing and creating artwork for hotels and restaurants around the world. He sculpted 18 African animals, at life-size or larger, for The Palace Hotel and Lost City in South Africa.

Closer to home he has sculpted a life-size bighorn sheep for the Bighorn Institute in Palm Desert, Calif., and designed, carved and molded four grazing sheep and a giant-sized Texas longhorn bull for a client in Malibu.

He and his company, Wertheimer Designs, are able to adapt artwork to any style: contemporary, classic, large or small. Lifesize sculptures available include a grazing mare and foal.

"You can enjoy the beauty of these animals without any of the upkeep," said Wertheimer.

Wertheimer can be reached at (818) 8891061 or (760) 3200255, or e-mail Werth3@aol.com. His company website is at www.WertheimerDesigns.com.