Sculptor Toby Mendez credited with creating 'perfect' likeness; artist thanks community

Toby Mendez, the sculptor who created the George Washington statue, thanked committee members and volunteers for their work bringing the memorial to Hagerstown. "It's an honor to have had a part of creating this memorial," Mendez said, acknowledging the Sons of the American Revolution and the committee that initiated the project.

Mendez described being able to use a facial "big mask" of George Washington to help achieve a detailed likeness and credited earlier local statue projects and family influences for his interest in public sculpture. The artist noted that the project grew from a volunteer effort with roots in local heritage organizations; he asked attendees to give a round of applause to committee members and others who supported the effort.