Little Ava Statue for the Appalachian Valley Autism Center
A 36-inch custom figurative sculpture inspired by Ava, the AVA Center's first learner, created with a bronze patina and vivid blue graduation finish.
A Sculpture Built Around a Real Story
“Little Ava” is a custom sculpture created for the Appalachian Valley Autism Center (AVA Center) in Pikeville, Kentucky. The figure is modeled after Ava, granddaughter of Pikeville Medical Center Chairman, President & CEO Donovan Blackburn. According to Blackburn's June 2026 letter about Statues, Inc., Ava was four years old when she served as the model and was the AVA Center's first learner.
The finished 36-inch figure captures an unmistakable moment of achievement: Ava wears a bright blue graduation cap and gown, smiles upward and raises both hands in celebration. The combination of warm bronze patina and saturated blue transforms a personal portrait into an optimistic visual landmark.
The AVA Center at Pikeville Medical Center provides therapy and support for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. That mission gives the sculpture's welcoming, celebratory expression a clear connection to its setting.
Turning Joy Into a Three-Dimensional Portrait
The design is driven by gesture as much as likeness. Ava's open hands, raised arms and upward gaze create an immediate sense of motion. Instead of a formal standing pose, the sculpture communicates celebration before the viewer has read a plaque or learned the story behind it.
For a child portrait, proportion, facial expression and posture must work together. Here, the wide sleeves of the graduation gown frame the face while the cap creates a strong visual top line. The result remains readable from both a distance and close viewing.
Three Details That Give the Sculpture Its Character
Open, Upward Movement
Raised arms and open hands make the figure feel active and welcoming rather than static.
Bronze and Vivid Blue
Warm bronze patina defines the portrait while blue makes the graduation clothing immediately legible.
36-Inch Presence
The scale creates a strong focal point while preserving the intimate character of a sculpture inspired by a young child.
Designed to Be Experienced From More Than One View
A Long-Standing Creative Partnership in Pikeville
In his June 2, 2026 letter, Donovan Blackburn describes a long-standing relationship with Statues, Inc. that began while he served as City Manager of Pikeville. He identifies the Mayor William C. Hambley Statue, the Governor Paul E. Patton Statue and Little Ava among projects created through that relationship.
“A deeply meaningful sculpture that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who visit our Appalachian Valley Autism Center.” — Donovan Blackburn, Chairman, President & CEO, Pikeville Medical Center, referring to “Little Ava” in a June 2, 2026 letter
First-hand client documentation like this is important because it records not only who commissioned a sculpture, but why the piece matters in the place where it lives.
When a Portrait Becomes Part of a Place
Little Ava demonstrates how commissioning a custom statue can turn a personal story into a physical point of recognition. The sculpture is specific to one child, yet its graduation imagery speaks more broadly to progress, possibility and celebration.
That relationship between likeness, gesture and setting is central to successful figurative sculpture. The strongest commissions are not generic objects with a name attached afterward; the subject and destination influence the artistic decisions from the beginning.
Little Ava Statue: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Little Ava statue based on?
The sculpture is modeled after Ava, granddaughter of Donovan Blackburn. In Blackburn's June 2026 letter, he states that Ava was four years old when she served as the model and was the first learner of the Appalachian Valley Autism Center.
Where is the Little Ava sculpture located?
Little Ava was created for the Appalachian Valley Autism Center in Pikeville, Kentucky.
How large is the Little Ava statue?
The custom figurative sculpture is 36 inches high.
What finish was used on the sculpture?
The sculpture uses a bronze patina with a vivid blue finish on the graduation cap and gown, creating strong contrast between the portrait details and clothing.
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