Reprinted with permission of
the Journal-News
From the JournalNews
By Peggy McCracken
HAMILTON — The City of Sculpture will soon have a new
inhabitant — Jesus.
The bronze sculpture “Come unto me” is scheduled to be unveiled
in the courtyard of The Presbyterian Church during ceremonies in late summer.
The life-size interactive work is designed to allow children to sit upon the
lap of Christ. Resting on a boulder, the smiling figure is holding a child
while his right arm is outstretched embrace to another.
The interactiveness of the statue was a major factor in its
selection, said Sherry Webb, the church’s director of programs and
administration. “The fact that it was interactive appealed to me,” said Webb.
“ wouldn’t you like to have a picture of your grandchildren sitting on
Jesus’ lap?” “We also feel it is
another way of showing Jesus’ love. It might draw someone to Jesus Christ if
someone is out touring (the City of Sculpture) and they come across one of
Jesus,” she said.
Being included in the City of Sculpture is a another reason
for the statue’s purchase. “It also ties the church into a part of the
community that the religious sector is not separate. We are all part of
the community,” Webb said. Those efforts
include holding community prayer services, the community meal center, Narcotics
Anonymous and Alcohol Anonymous meetings and the chamber music for the Mozart
Festival. The church’s child care center also provides employment opportunities
for residents and daycare services for parents.
The church became interested in the City of Sculpture
following a presentation by Gerry Hammond, a member of the church and the City
of Sculpture committee. The selection of a religious work was a natural
decision since religion-theme art would not be permitted on city property. “The
church would be the only place in the center of downtown where a religious
theme sculpture could be placed,” said Hammond.
Designed by artist Rosalind Cook, the statue was ordered
through the Shaw Gallery of Naples Inc., in Naples Fla. The $50,000 project is
being funded by private donations, aside from the regular church budget.
Donations reached the 50 percent mark this month. Funds are still being
collected and a plaque will recognize donors. Webb said area churches and
organizations are welcome to become sponsors of the undertaking.
Hamilton now boasts 23 works, including Billy Yank atop the
Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument. The oldest sculpture is the Hollow
Earth Theory memorial in Symmes Park on South Third Street.
Future sculpture coming to town will include the Hamilton High School Plaza George Bush display, and tributes to Alexander Hamilton and Sherry Corbett. An abstract stone work is also being considered.