St. Richard's Catholic Church
St. Richard Catholic Church boasts an impressive collection of fine art. Most notably, the sanctuary is home to a thirteenth-century wooden crucifix from Spain and a fourteenth-century Madonna and Child sculpture from France. Modern era artworks of note are Wolfe Studios stations of the cross, and a Dr. Sam Gore sculpture, 'Faces of Man.' In the foyer of a new wing under construction, the church wanted a piece of artwork that would communicate the message of the church in a style consistent with the existing artwork. The artwork to be installed will extend over an 18' X 35' wall. Church staff member Raymond Barry, whose work usually focuses more on relief and charity work, saw the need for a piece of artwork on the wall to express the church's focus. The artwork consists of seven two-foot medallions representing the sacraments of the church and a twice-life-size high relief sculpture, from the waist up, of the resurrected Christ. A Proto-Renaissance style was chosen for the figure of Christ to produce continuity in style with the church's existing artwork. St. Richards already displays two pivotal points in the earthly ministry of Christ-His birth and His crucifixion. The cycle is completed by adding a figure of the resurrected Christ.
original proposal-scale model showing wall with brick column, windows, and proposed artwork
Prior to sculpting, Tracy papered the entire wall, and drew the positioning of the sculpture on the wall to give a good idea of what the finished piece would look like.
right side of the wall showing schematic drawn on paper affixed to the wall
These are the drawings of the medallions as they will appear on the wall. Can you name them all?
Right side of the wall with installed sacraments and bronze ribbon prior to installing Christ figure.
Partial installation awaiting bronze sacraments and Christ figure.
Tracy working on the twice-life-size figure of the risen Christ. The sculpture is in plasticine clay prior to taking molds and casting in bronze.
Father Mike was invited to view the progress of the sculpture.
Robert standing with the sculpture to get a sense of scale. In this sculpture, Tracy depicted the very real aspect of Jesus’ life as a laborer — a carpenter, while also emphasizing the implied strength and power of Christ to save mankind.
The completed monument installed.