Heart of Steel

Creativity has always been a way of life for Arlene Abend, a fiery-spirited 86-year-old who won’t let anything stop her from sculpting and welding — not even surgery. After going in for a routine doctor visit in June, she was swept into a whirlwind of diagnostic tests, overnight stays and, eventually, open heart surgery. Finally back home after three months in the hospital, she already has two commissioned sculptures lined up. And even though she is still recovering, Arlene refuses to be held back.