Christopher Columbus

“The Light Will Appear,” sculpture by MOA sculptor, Jerime Hooley, has almost completed the enlargement phase. This sculpture captures the moment Christopher Columbus saw a glimmer in the distance as he stood on the deck of the Santa María in search of the Americas.

Hooley says, “As I work on the enlargement of Columbus, “The Light Will Appear,” I start to remember the most important principles this particular moment in time represents. He has faced so many challenges to this point. And yet once again, he is on the cusp of total failure. But Columbus is familiar with these turbulent waters and it’s in these last hours that his faith has bought him this triumphant moment. This is the pattern of heaven. When we have done all we can, and the world still will not relent, God steps in and shows us the light. That’s the core message of this project and this miracle moment that I am blessed to attempt to convey.”

"Light of the World" panel begins bronze casting phase

"Light of the World," panel by MOA founder and sculptor, Steven L. Neal, has begun the bronze casting phase. "Light of the World," captures the apex of the Book of Mormon, where Jesus Christ appears and ministers unto the Nephites and Lamanites, establishes his gospel, and creates a Zion society that lasts for centuries. Neal says, "The first art piece visitors will interact with upon entering the parks will be this 10x7 foot panel. It will be set into the upper part of a 24-foot tall archway into the garden. The significance of this panel represents the beginning of Christ's ministry within the Americas." The bronze casting is estimated to be completed in April 2025. 

"The Hands of Man" Statue Begins its Foundry Work

The "Hands of Man," (Old World) sculpted by Michael A. Hall, has begun the molding phase at the foundry, on its way to being a final bronzed statue. Housed within the Christ in America Park, this sculpture depicts people of the world worshiping Christ. These life-size sculptures surround an 18-foot Christ statue as He beckons all people to come unto Him. The people within “Hands of Man” represent the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, both the Old World and New World, and are placed at each side of the lower pool, adoring the Savior of them all. “Working on the Hands of Man has definitely been one of the highlights of my career because of the diversity of the peoples represented, and most importantly, my personal belief that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ," Michael Hall.