Spiral II, a metal sculpture by Paul Sisko, arrived on Wednesday, May 2. It was dedicated September 20, 1979. The artist graduated from Montclair State College and taught industrial arts prior to devoting full time to his artistic career. He started by creating unique, finely crafted pieces of furniture. His horizons expanded to abstract metal sculpture, resulting in numerous commissions, exhibitions, and awards. Spiral II was conceived and produced in 1974.
Philip was chairman of the Board and Chief Executive officer of Hess's, Inc department store. Muriel Berman was involved with Lloyd's of London, Hess's, Fleetways, and was a U.S. State Department Delegate to the UN International Women's Year Conference in 1975 and was appointed by President Gerald Ford. She was also a member of the U.S. State Department Arts and Humanities Committee in 1975. They received world recognition for their patronage of the arts and cultural organizations. Over 200 paintings from their personal collection are on loan through the U.S. State Department and Smithsonian Institute as part of the Art in the U.S. Embassies Program. colleges and museums throughout the East can borrow one of ten shows in the Berman Circulating Traveling Art Exhibitions. In the Lehigh Valley, the Bermans have been leaders in providing greater exposure to developments in modern art from throughout the world. All local colleges and universities have benefited from their generosity. The Bermans have introduced art into the atmosphere of commercial activity and hence brought it close to the people. Muriel and Philip Berman are people of vision committed to securing a wider understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic qualities of life. (from dedication program 9-20-1979)
