The Metropolis Planet reports that work is steadily progressing on the Noel Neill/Lois Lane statue which will be unveiled at this year's Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois.

At right is artist Gary Ernest Smith with the clay mold of the statue at Metal Arts Foundry in Lehi, Utah.

Once the final mold of the actress portraying Lois Lane is approved by the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, it will be molded and cast in bronze.

The final statue will be slightly larger than life measuring out to be about six feet tall.

A brick base will be constructed at the corner of Eighth and Market Streets in Metropolis where the nearly 500-pound statue will be placed on a raised platform.

With plans set for an unveiling during the Superman Celebration, final engraving orders are needed at the monument company very soon. A deadline of April 16 has been set for ordering engraved bricks guaranteed to be in place for the unveiling.

Clyde Wills, President of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Noel Neill Statue Committee, explains that personalized engraved brick sales are critical to the completion of this project. "Engraved bricks are available for $75 each, are a great way for individuals and families to be a part of this historic project," he said.

The bricks are 4" x 8” will hold three lines of up to 13 characters each. Also available for a $300 donation is a larger 12” x 12” brick. These bricks may be engraved with a logo or text and would be well suited for companies, organizations or memorials.

Bricks may be purchased at the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce at 607 Market Street.

For more information or an order form, visit www.noelneillstatue.com, e-mail metropolischamber@verizon.com or call (618) 524-2714.

Plans are being made for Neill to be a part of the unveiling ceremony on Friday, June 11th during the Superman Celebration. Smith, who is also the creator of the Superman Statue, will also be in attendance for the unveiling ceremony.