Community West Foundation is working to expand important conversations around issues of social justice, privilege, compassion and empathy with the acquisition of five artworks created by Canadian artist, Timothy Schmalz. One of these permanent sculpture installations is the famed Homeless Jesus piece which will replace the replica statue the Foundation has been traveling around Cleveland since 2017. In October of 2020, the Homeless Jesus replica was situated on the grounds of Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village in a location facing Bradley Road Park. Shortly after its arrival, community reaction sparked significant public dialogue, along with a flurry of local and national media attention.
With this in mind, Community West Foundation intends to expand this important conversation and dialogue with the acquisition of five of the six artworks in the Mathew 25 Collection created by Schmalz. The sixth artwork, When I was Hungry and Thirsty, was acquired several years ago by Old Stone Church and is installed in front of the church on Public Square, in downtown Cleveland.
The artwork had accomplished what great public art should: create dialogue and cause people to see familiar spaces and places in a new light. Once installed, Cleveland will be only the second city in the world, following Rome, Italy, to have the full collection of all six bronze figures in the
Matthew 25 Collection.
Each artwork is thematically connected to the mission of one of Community West Foundation’s community partners. The sculptures will be located on the near west side of Cleveland.
Learn more about Community West Foundation.