A place for Prayer and Meditation.
The community have most likely heard the buzz regarding the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Prayer and Meditation Garden being built at Marywood in Grand Rapids. This garden will be a beautiful stroll for all to enjoy. The highlight of the garden will be 24 bronze statues placed strategically along the pathway with storyboards on the life of St. Francis of Assisi at each station. There will also be benches placed along the path, where you can sit in solitude. A grotto with the deathbed scene of Francis surrounded with his friends will be constructed as well.
Originally, 16 of the bronze statues sculpted by artist Mic Carlson were exhibited during the month of September through October 2004, during the feast of St. Francis at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. Mic was the first American artist to be invited to exhibit the bronze by the head of the Basilica, Padre Vincenzo Coli. Over 30,000 people from all walks of life from around the world enjoyed the presentation. The Assisi experience was one Mic wanted to continue in his hometown of Grand Rapids. Pilgrims in Assisi stood in awe as they touched the statues, read the storyboards, smiled, cried and prayed. It was an incredible journey that must be shared.
This garden will be one of a kind when completed. The building of the garden relies on donations. There are different levels you can memorialize a family member or friend by placing their name on a bronze statue a garden bench, chapel bench, or a brick. If you know of anybody that would be interested in donating to this wonderful garden, please contact a staff member of Instruments of Hope at 616-862-1865 or Mic Carlson 616-443-0376.
2009 Voted as a top 25 Artist
Also a short movie “A Year in Assisi” by videographer Andrea Angelucci.
2010 Voted as a top 100 Artist
2011 Voted as a top 25 Westside Artist
This artwork is available to own, Contact Mic for more information.
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, "let it be."
Words that came to Paul McCartney one night. For me when I find myself in times of feeling out of sorts I refer to my buddy Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis kept it simple. He knew “If you have a problem that can be fixed, then there is no use in worrying. If you have a problem that cannot be fixed, then there is no use in worrying.” Easier said than done right? But true. When we are not in the NOW we are worried about the future or thinking about the past. The past is gone and the future is not yet here. Look around, feel, touch and notice the simple things put there for us to make us smile. The wonder of creation. An insect on a blade of grass in the morning dew, the journey of such a small little creation must seem endless. When we are in the NOW we notice the clouds, the sounds of our surroundings. When you are in the NOW you forget you are thinking. You have to let it be.
In our days journey we may all experience NOW in different ways. Ways you don't consciously think of that is being in the NOW. When you have love in your heart NOW is right there.
This “NOW” I created by attaching over 7000 separate pieces. Please feel free to write on the NOW. Take a space of your own as often as you would like. Share with us a thought of NOW.
Now is what we have. Smile at someone you don't know. Open the door for someone.
Breathe the freedom and be your unique self.
Part 2
