Mary Dudek: Life Size Crucifix Installed in Metro-Detroit

While still a student Stamps, Mary Dudek (BFA 2016) was commissioned to sculpt a life-sized crucifix at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Shelby Twp. Michigan. In the days leading up to Easter, the life size crucifix was installed over the main altar. 

Using the anatomy and figure sculpture skills she learned at Stamps under the guidance of Professor Louis Marinaro, Dudek worked from a live model in her studio in Ferndale to capture a highly representational figure of Christ on the cross. The piece, a 6’ 3”- tall figure mounted to an 11×8’ cross hangs now as a permanent installation in the space. Unlike many modern representations of the crucifix depicting Christ dead on the cross, this piece shows him alive looking up to the Father in the moments before he died.

New crucifix at St. John Vianney inspires parishioners to look to God | The Michigan Catholic