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Be Welcoming

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Interactive sculpture

Be Welcoming
ArtistTimothy Schmalz
Year2019
MediumBronze
Dimensions1.5 m × 0.92 m × 1.32 m (59 in × 36 in × 52 in)
Websitebewelcoming.com

Be Welcoming is a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. It was created in 2019, inspired by the same scripture text that is at the center of Schmalz’s “Angels Unawares” monument in St. Peter’s Square, Hebrews 13:2 “Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares.”

Be Welcoming by Timothy Schmalz, Pilgrim side
Be Welcoming by Timothy Schmalz, Angel side

Be Welcoming is an interactive sculpture. The sculpture at first glance depicts a hooded figure, appearing to be a stranger, a traveler or a pilgrim. However, as the viewer walks around the sculpture and changes perspective, the figure is shown to be an angel with an outstretched hand motioning as if to invite the viewer to sit beside them. The full sculpture includes the life-sized pilgrim-angel sculpture with a bronze bench large enough for an adult to sit upon.

The sculpture has been placed along the paths associated with Christian pilgrimages such as El Camino de Santiago in Spain and the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Southern Italy. Replicas of this piece are also installed in Chicago, Des Moines, Toronto, and Quebec City.

References

  1. Staff, Exaudi (2023-10-20). "An angel on the Camino de Santiago: "Be welcoming", the new sculpture by Timothy Schmalz, is unveiled". Exaudi. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  2. Prensa, A. C. I. ""Be Welcoming": Escultura de un ángel recuerda la hospitalidad en el Camino de Santiago". ACI Prensa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  3. Staff, Exaudi (2023-10-20). "An angel on the Camino de Santiago: "Be welcoming", the new sculpture by Timothy Schmalz, is unveiled". Exaudi. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  4. Yoder, Katie (September 23, 2022). "Padre Pio sculptor's work to be blessed on saint's feast day: 'I have to honor him'". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved Feb 14, 2024.
  5. Santiago, Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de. "Camino de Santiago". Camino de Santiago (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  6. Moines, Diocese of Des. "'Be Welcoming': New Sculputure Inspires". www.dmdiocese.org. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  7. Lavoie, Martin (2024-05-28). "Une sculpture pour incarner l'hospitalité à Québec". Le Journal de Montréal. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  8. "Cardinal Czerny blesses sculpture on showing kindness to strangers - Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va. 2022-09-21. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
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