Brief

The 2018 Santa Fe High School Shooting

The 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting was a tragic incident that unfolded on May 18, 2018, at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, United States. Ten people, eight students, and two teachers lost their lives, and thirteen others were wounded, making this event the third-deadliest high school shooting in the United States at the time.

The event sparked a nationwide debate about school safety and gun control, leading to renewed efforts to heighten security at schools. The grief, loss, and changes that followed this event remind us of the devastating impact of such violent acts on communities and the importance of ongoing discussions about school safety and firearm regulation.

I was honored to accept the award to create a monument to honor and commemorate the victims of this tragic event. The memorial was placed at Santa Fe High School to mark five years since the shooting that killed 8 students and two teachers. It’s called Warrior Spirit and honors the 10 lives lost on May 18th, 2018 with 10 feathers.

Watch the video to learn more about Erik Christianson’s memorial sculpture Warrior Spirit.

Brief

I have been fortunate to be chosen to sculpt several pieces for descendant of Juan Seguin. This bronze bust was recently placed at the newly opened “Artifacts of Battle For Texas: The Experience.” You can read more about the exhibit by clicking here.

From the Page:

A bronze bust of Alamo hero Juan Seguin by well-known sculptor Erik Christianson is now on view at Battle For Texas: The Experience, a historical adventure attraction that brings to life the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

The 60-pound, head-and-shoulders bust was unveiled Aug. 10 at Battle For Texas located near the Alamo inside The Shops at Rivercenter. Christianson, who also sculpted the 10-foot equestrian monument of Juan Seguin in 2000 that is displayed in Seguin Central Park, was commissioned by Albert Seguin of Texas City, who is a great-great-great grandson of the Alamo defender.

“He was a Texas hero, and I’m proud to be a descendent of his,” said Albert, 73, who is also president emeritus of the Seguin Family Historical Society. “He fought for Texas independence and was the only commissioned officer who fought at the Alamo and survived to fight at the Battle of San Jacinto.”

Ryan Latham, Executive Director of Battle For Texas, said he is grateful to the Albert Seguin for loaning the bust to the attraction, so that visitors can learn about the contributions of Tejanos who fought at the Alamo.

“We pride ourselves on giving visitors an opportunity to intimately engage with the story of Texas, and the Alamo, from all perspectives,” Latham said. “A major element of this is bringing to life the role and influence of the Tejano community and our complete experience is presented in both English and Spanish. We are thrilled to expand our Juan Seguin collection to further pay tribute to the important role he played in the birth of Texas.”

Christianson, who completed the sculpture in February, said he enjoyed the research aspect of preparing to work on the commission. “There’s a famous portrait of Juan Seguin in military uniform. I took that portrait and compared it to a photograph of him when he was older,” Christianson said. “I put the two together to make it as accurate as possible. It’s always a challenge to do a commission, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

The bust will be placed on a pedestal amid a backdrop of the Texas Hill Country just below a portrait of Juan Seguin that Albert donated to Battle For Texas. For more information, visit www.battlefortexas.com.

Brief

The Majestic Ranch Arts Foundation commissioned a original piece by sculptor Eric Christianson titled The Trio.  The pieces are designed to complement the Boerne Amphitheater, which is on the grounds of the Boerne Public Library. The sculptures are a gift to the community of Boerne.

Links:

See Art Al Fresco 

See Majestic Ranch Arts Foundation

Brief

The Dallas Mavericks Foundation awarded Olympic gold medal champion and Dallas native Michael Johnson its Community Spirit Award, whcih included a bronze version of a basketball player created by bronze sculptor Erik Christianson.