Annunciation Catholic Church in Columbus is home to new sculpture recently gifted to the College Street church by JoAnn M. Walk Ferguson and Howard Ferguson. The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue, standing 15-feet tall, was inspired by a stained glass window in the Annunciation Chapel, the original church. The statue was modeled after it under the guidance of Father Robert Dore. Its figures depict the archangel Gabriel, with a lily in his hand, visiting Mary, who would become the mother of Jesus.
Well-known sculptor Alexei Kazantsev was commissioned in December 2016 to create the work of art at his studio in Covington, Louisiana. Born and educated in Moscow, Russia, Kazantsev is an American citizen and artist based in Colorado.
“The statue took five months to create and complete,” said JoAnn Ferguson. “It is made of concrete and fiberglass mixture created by the sculptor.” When finished, the work was disassembled and transported to Columbus in four pieces. Heavy equipment was used to transport and install the large, heavy pieces.
An unveiling and official presentation by the Howards to the church were made on May 14, Mother’s Day.
“The parishioners were very excited to see the statue,” said church historian Karen Henry. “There was a minute of silence while everyone caught their breath when the curtains opened. It is just beautiful and really adds to the holiness of our church.”
JoAnn Ferguson said, “We invite the community to come to reflect with prayer and time at this Annunciation statue.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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