Since 1973, two colorful abstract figures have knelt in an embrace in a reflecting pool outside B.F. Sisk courthouse at Mariposa Mall in downtown Fresno.
After years of decay and vandalism, the work of public art has undergone an extensive restoration by Los Angeles-based Sculpture Conservation Studio. Mayor Jerry Dyer unveiled the restored piece on Tuesday.
“We’re not just conserving artwork; we are preserving history, and we are honoring the artist who made this artwork for us,” Dyer said. “It’s a landmark, and it’s intended to inspire future generations.”
The figures — referred to as Dos Amantes, or Two Lovers — were fabricated by Rodger Dupzyk nearly a half-century ago, replicated after an original piece of art by Adolf Odorfer.
Dos Amantes is one of the 20 pieces of public art conserved by Sculpture Conservation Studio, with seven more in Fresno planned for approval.
Weighing 10,000 pounds and 24 feet high, Dos Amantes was a gift to the city of from Austrian-born Odorfer. He relocated to Fresno after meeting his wife, according to Andrea Morse, principal conservator of Sculpture Conservation Studio.
A photograph showing the sculpture Dos Amantes in faded paint is seen to the right as the newly restored statue Dos Amantes, left, located on the Mariposa Mall is revealed to media in a brief ceremony Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in downtown Fresno.
Morse finds that when the public finds out the work her company is doing, they are better able to understand the importance of the artwork, and in turn they take care of it more.
“I always have loved working with Fresno. … We’ve been working here for over 10 years. Everyone is so cooperative. Everyone really loves what we do, and it makes us feel good, too,” Morse said.
Sculpture Conservation Studio was tasked with the restoration of multiple public art sculptures in Fresno after their work in the Fulton Mall Reconstruction Project back in 2017, Dyer said.
The total cost of the restoration of Dos Amantes was $71,000 and an additional $100,000 is budgeted annually for conservation of public art, Dyer said.
Along with physical conservation work, Dyer said that security cameras have been installed to act as a deterrent against vandalism.
Dyer said under “beatify Fresno 2.0” the community can expect to see increased electrical box art, murals and cleaner sidewalks in downtown and the Tower District.
“Our public art,” he said, “makes me feel very proud.”
Media gathers to cover the newly restored statue Dos Amantes, located on the Mariposa Mall, in a brief ceremony Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in downtown Fresno.
A pigeon is perched on top of the newly restored statue Dos Amantes, located on the Mariposa Mall between Fresno City Hall and the Fresno County Superior Courthouse, which was revealed to media in a brief ceremony Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in downtown Fresno.
The newly restored statue Dos Amantes, located on the Mariposa Mall near Fresno City Hall, is seen in a reflecting pool after a brief ceremony Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in downtown Fresno.