Sculpture by Franciscan Artist Dedicated

November 12, 2001. Lowell, MIchigan

"Synergic Creation," a copper sculpture designed and created by Sister Maura Behrenfeld, FSE, was unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony November 12, 2001 at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Placed in the Jarecki Center for Advanced Learning Piazza, the 5 1/2' high, 5' round sculpture was commissioned by the Wege Foundation for the college.

The sculpture consists of brazed copper plants and insects set into a 3/8" textured copper plate. In her "Artist's Statement about 'Synergic Creation'" Sister Maura explains the theme of the sculpture:

The theme of this commissioned artpiece is stewardship. I see plants and insects naturally portraying the interrelatedness that stewardship calls forth. Although I have gained new insights about the mystery and miracle of created matter through this project, what I have come to know in a deeper way is the meaning of relationship. Synergy means working together and bringing forth new life. Everything in God's creation is about relationship. My prayer is that "Synergic Creation" will continue to foster relationships for many years to come.

Sister Maura is the director of the Integrated Learning Experiences Program at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell, Michigan, a program for children and adults utilizing the arts to learn about nature.