Client: Penguins’ ownership group

Overview

This spectacular statue honors Mario Lemieux’s career and achievements.
The larger-than-life bronze statue, featuring the great Lemieux bursting through two defensemen on his way to the goal, is located in the plaza outside the Trib Total Media Gate, near the intersection of Centre Avenue and Washington Place, in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. It was created by nationally-acclaimed bronze sculptor Bruce Wolfe of Berkeley, CA (www.brucewolfe.com). James Frederick of James Gallery in Pittsburgh’s West End Village was the art consultant on the project. “Mario Lemieux is a unique figure in the history of Pittsburgh – a Hall of Fame athlete who went on to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins and become the first player-owner of the modern era, and also a community-minded citizen who continues to raise millions of dollars for cancer research and neo-natal research,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the Penguins. “This statue will be an everlasting tribute to his legacy.” The image was adapted from photos and video of a December 20, 1988 game against the New York Islanders at the Civic Arena, when Lemieux broke through defensemen Rich Pilon and Jeff Norton en route to scoring at 14:09 of the third period. Bob Errey and Dan Quinn assisted on the goal in a 5-3 Penguins win.

Goals

To provide accurate and detailed 3D scan data for the artist.

Process

We have had the opportunity to work with Bruce Wolfe on many of his projects. For this project, we scanned his maquette and provided the 3D data and editing for the scaled CNC milled foam model fabricated by Satellite models. Bruce then applied thin layers of clay to nuance the final details on the sculpture prior to casting. We also made digital reduction 3D prints with the company Moddler for smaller castings of the sculpture that were then given to supporting donors on the project. The statue weighs 4,700 pounds. It is 10 ¼ feet high x 13 feet long x 10 feet wide.