Rare Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Museum Of Divine Statues

What happens to statues and other religious artifacts when a church closes its doors? Luckily, many formerly unwanted statues have found a new home with Lou McClung at the Museum of Divine Statues, located at 12905 Madison Avenue. On Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m., Lou McClung offers a rare look behind the scenes at the Museum as he gives a step-by-step tour of the restoration process.

A professional make-up artist, cosmetics manufacturer, and owner of the cosmetics company Lusso, McClung discovered his first statue, St. Clare of Assisi, in an antiques store in 2009. What began as a hobby became a calling as McClung bought and restored over sixty statues including St. Stephen, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In addition to the statues, McClung has also salvaged stained glass windows, relics, architectural features, and other sacred objects. Now each statue, beautifully and meticulously restored, stands in its own pool of light. The museum also includes a meditation garden.

Located in the former St. Hedwig’s Church, the Museum of Divine Statues is generally open to the public on Sunday afternoons and other times by appointment.

Sponsored by the Lakewood Historical Society and the Lakewood Public Library, McClung’s talk offers the rare opportunity to view the restoration process up close. McClung’s presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Divine Statues, 12905 Madison Avenue. You can tour the museum at your leisure following McClung’s talk.

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Volume 10, Issue 23, Posted 12:41 PM, 11.11.2014