Yaacov has been rated among the world’s most accomplished sculptors and top silversmiths. His work has been used to convey messages of hope, tolerance, acceptance, remembrance and peace through interpretation of the human form and spirit. Throughout his 60-year career ,Yaacov has been commissioned to create historically significant works for presidents, kings and queens, heads of state and other dignitaries and celebrities. His pieces are found in presidential libraries and museums worldwide
Yaacov moved to Israel where he served in the country’s army and spent 18 years. He worked with the presidents and prime ministers and was recognized as “The Silver Ambassador” for the use of his works as Gifts of State. While in Israel, Yaacov developed a specific process of electroforming silver sculpture and jewelry designs which was the start of a huge industry. The process is still being used today in the country by many foundries.
In Boca Raton, Yaacov’s pieces include Flossy’s Fountain at the entrance to the Count deHoernle Amphitheater, a sculpture of the Count and Countess deHoernle adjacent to the stage, an eight foot high bronze menorah at B’nai Torah Congregation, two silver Festival Menorahs at Beth Ami Congregation and a blown glass and bronze eternal light in the Kabbalah Center. Yaacov’s works are also featured in “The Garden of Humanity” memorial project at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton.
As an active member of The Rotary Club of Boca Raton, Yaacov is a Paul Harris Fellow, served on the board, designed a “mentor” pin/pendant, designed the club’s pin, painted significant works for OPAL and acted as a mentor for a Rotary Scholarship Recipient. He has taken special interest in Future Stars as it relates to furthering the development of young talent in the arts.
Sue Heller is a retired art educator with more than 30 years of experience. Sue has been listed in Who’s Who in American Teachers, has been honored twice as “Teacher of the Year”, presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Teaching by The Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise, nominated for Soroptimists’ Woman Of Distinction, selected to represent Place of Hope Rinker Campus for Junior League’s Woman Volunteer of the Year, chosen as Volunteer of the Year for Service at Place of Hope Rinker Campus. As an Angel Mom and a liaison for the Extended Foster Care Girls Cottage at Place of Hope’s Rinker Campus, Sue serves on the Leadership board and acts as a mentor to residents, and works with residents to provide “art therapy”.
For Sue and Yaacov Heller, life individually, and as a couple, has involved giving back and creating awareness through the arts and education.