“Muse” stands tall in front of the Markeim Arts Center in Haddonfield. Set on a pedestal, this striking stainless-steel sculpture, installed in September 2014, evokes swirling leaves. It is the work of the acclaimed artist Joe Mooney, who died in 2024, and was known for his distinctive stainless-steel sculptures across the country.
“He was inspired by mythical figures and created a series of works related to the Muse,” Diane Pepe, Mooney’s wife of 40 years and a fellow artist, said. She added that the Muse is “a mythological figure who inspired the three aspects of art” that are akin to the three graces: the scholar who tells tales and oral history, the dancer, and the artisan. “You can tell a story, dance, or make things,” she said.
But with “Muse,” Mooney seems to do all three. The sculpture tells a story, suggests movement like a dance and, of course, is itself an act of making.
For Mooney, mythology and storytelling were key to his creative process.
In a video tour of his studio in West Philadelphia, he describes the dialogue he shares withhis sculptures. “A good piece will give you answers.” The conversation, he said, “should be back and forth with you.” The relationship is “you ask, you get back,” he explained.
A native of Philadelphia, Mooney earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University, his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Alfred University.
Mooney and Pepe met at Pennsylvania State University and married in 1984. Together, they had two sons.
Pepe said Mooney was a “prolific reader” who created numerous drawings about his ideas and wrote poems connected to many of his works. Mooney himself said his inspiration came from myths and stories. “Moses, Gilgamesh, the prophets, the tale told of the Phoenix, the rise and fall, the life and rebirth, this theme of the struggling hero has influenced my work,” he said in the video.
“I think the ”Muse” is a beautiful piece because of its synergy. I think it shows a gentle strength. To me, it demonstrates power without using force,” said Lisa Wolschina, a trustee of the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust and owner of Lisa Wolschina & Associates Real Estate.
Originally installed in front of Republic Bank on Kings Highway, “Muse” was later moved in front of Markheim Arts Center. Jennifer Coelho, president of Markheim’s board of directors as well as its ceramics director, called it “a beautiful visual reminder of the creativity that thrives within our community.”
Although Pepe and Mooney were not formal collaborators, she said they continually influenced each other’s work.
“Our work ethic was similar in that we shared the ability to focus totally when completing works or preparing for an exhibit. We constantly discussed our ideas and research that drove us, and we supported each other during the times of great joys and disappointments,” she said.
“We shared a love of art, visiting museums, galleries, local art gatherings and events and learning about art history and artists’ works. We were committed to art and to each other,” Pepe said.
With a good sculpture, “you should be able to ask questions, get answers,” he said in the video tour. More than a decade after its installation, “Muse” still invites viewers to bring their own questions, interpretations, and imagination to the work.
