Martins Donate "Joyful Empowerment" to UAM

Dr. Sue Martin, Angelia Mia De la Vega, and Dr. Jack Lassiter

Mayor Bryan and Dr. Sue Martin donated a sculpture "Joyful Empowerment", sculpted by a Angela Mia De la Vega, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  The sculpture has been placed in front of Willard Hall which houses the Education Department at the institution.  A presentation celebration was held at the home of Chancellor and Mrs. Jack Lassiter Monday, October 13.  During the presentation, it was noted that Dr. Martin discovered the sculpture online and immediately felt it embodied the spirit of the education department, joyfully empowering students who make a difference in the lives of children.

In addition to the dedication and presentation of the gift from the Martins, the family of Claudia Sparks donated a bench which has been placed for perfect viewing of the sculpture, in honor of her life as an educator.

The presentation reception was attended by a host of friends of the families of the Martins and Sparks as well as many from the Education Department at the University.  Attending from Warren were Mr. and Mrs. John Frazer, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cross, Mr. Cliff Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Sledge, Mrs. Roger George, Mr. and Mrs. Vol Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Claycomb, and Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Reep.

During the reception, the artists explained the lengthy and tedious process of creating a sculpture.

Angela Mia De la Vega

Since sculpting her first bronze in 1994, Angela Mia De la Vega has been creating figurative bronze sculptures for international collectors, corporations and institutions.  She lives and works in Texas.  Exalting the human spirit through expressive faces and natural body movement has become Angela’s recognized trademark.  Her work’s greatest inspiration is the curious and ever-changing individuality of her children.

“As I am working, I find the sculpture gradually coming to life.  The piece never seems finished; I want to continue its creation but have to push myself to finally let go.  To capture the image, each sculpture begins at a torrid pace, dramatic light and shadows over form.  As the sculpture develops, I can slow down and focus on details, transferring the intensity of the subject, sculpting a responding body that listens as a live face does.”

Angela’s figurative sculptures are said to emanate a unique living spirit, which is something the artist achieves by truly knowing and often loving her subjects.  Angela sculpts in clay her deeply honest observations, reflecting even the smallest nuance in character and ultimately revealing an acute, mesmerizing likeness to her model.

“Because of the passion that inspires my sculpting, I hope to transmit the complexity of emotions to those who contemplate my work.  I want my work to be remembered as something that inspires and awakens tenderness of spirit - something within us that allows us to stop and appreciate the more important things like family and emotions, especially love.”

Angela graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the University of Madrid, Spain.  She is a member of the National Sculpture Society, The Guild for Artists and Artisans, American Women Artists and was recently named a Living Master by ARC (Art Renewal Center).