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Places of Sculpture - Churches

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Happy New Year! It might be a little late to say that, but I'm excited about the blogging subject I picked for this year. There are many places - not including museums or galleries - where sculpture leaves its lasting mark. I'm an advocate for public art, and though my views may differ from many, this is my list of fantastic and beautiful pieces and their places.

Today I will focus on places of worship. Your groan is not unheard, but I'll also add that many churches have artworks of not only religious pieces, but historical and social pieces as well.

George Washington by Lee Lawrie

This statue of George Washington is on permanent display at the Washington National Cathedral. It looks like it might be marble, but I can't tell for sure. It's a great rendering, slightly imposing but almost in a subtle way. Washington was well known for this subtlety, the humble power that emanated from him and still does in nearly every rendering of him I've ever seen.

Part of The Creations sculptures by Frederick Hart
Another of my favorite sculptures at the National Cathedral are the Creation Sculptures by Frederick Hart. The use of the elements is obvious, but what elements are they? Earth, water, fire, and air are all combined to fill the background of the creation of man, people coming out of the woodwork.

Space Window by Rodney Winfield

This piece is the Space Window by Rodney Winfield. It is symbolic of the first man on the moon, and it has a beautiful design. Space is something that connects us all. It's out there, and we are a part of it.

The Washington National Cathedral

Last but not least, look at the fantastic architecture! It's an artwork in itself, and the inside is just as amazing.

Inside the National Cathedral
Look at the detail, the significant arches and columns. It was designed by three architects, and President Woodrow Wilson is buried there.
Well, I've gone and spent an entire blog on one church. Oh, except I have to add this because I love it.

Thanks to Digital Trends
Yep, that's Darth Vader's helmet on the National Cathedral. Hey, he's iconic and he stands for a lot of things. Why not? 
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