Flabellum a fan, later of an umbrella or canopy, was used as a mark of honour for bishops and princes. Prior to Vatican II, two fans of this kind were used at the Vatican whenever the pope was carried in state on the sedia gestatoria to or from an altar or audience-chamber. Through the influence of Count Ditalmo di Brozza, the fans formerly used at the Vatican were presented in 1902 to a Mrs. Joseph Drexel of Philadelphia, USA, by Pope Leo XIII; in return, she gave a new pair to the Vatican. The old ones are currently exhibited in the
Sometimes I Sits metal sculptures ever since. He also serves as curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum. This piece was acquired by the Indianapolis Art Center for its ARTSPARK which brings together art and nature. In 2005 the piece was on display in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. "Sometimes I Sits" is a tribute to Helbing's mother, Pat. The sculpture was inspired by a poster that she had that showed an orangutan sitting. The original title of the piece was Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits. On the piece Helbing states: "It is a place to