Sculptor of two Temple Square statues shares journey – Church News
Sculptor Michael Hall has created two major works for the renovated Temple Square in Salt Lake City: a depiction of the First Vision and “Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross.” According to Hall, the pieces resulted from a collaborative process with Church leaders and a lifelong study of Renaissance art.
The “Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross” statue was installed on Temple Square on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, and is scheduled to debut on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. A separate sculpture depicting the First Vision was placed on the site on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
How did Michael Hall develop his artistic style?
Hall’s interest in art began in childhood when his great-uncle, Avard Fairbanks, encouraged him to help carve a marble statue. As a teenager, Hall painted copies of Michelangelo’s work on his parents’ basement walls to study Renaissance techniques.
While serving as a missionary in Russia, Hall visited the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. He stated that seeing Michelangelo’s marble sculptures in that environment helped him realize he wanted to pursue art professionally.
Hall later studied under Swiss artist Patrick Devonas, who advised him to commit to sculpture full time. Despite facing health and financial challenges that nearly led him to quit, Hall continued his practice for 20 years before being selected as a finalist for the Temple Square commission.
What details are featured in the Temple Square sculptures?
The “Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross” statue includes drops of blood to symbolize the blood that fell from Christ’s body. To allow viewers to connect with the piece, Hall included three figures alongside Jesus: a Jewish woman, a Roman woman, and a Roman soldier with his helmet tucked beneath him.
In the First Vision sculpture, Hall depicted Joseph Smith reaching toward Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The positioning of the finger mimics the image of Adam reaching for God in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Hall placed Jesus as the focal point of the First Vision piece, with God the Father positioned slightly above Him. Hall stated this placement indicates that Heavenly Father is giving the glory to His Son.
Who collaborated on the final designs?
The sculptures were the result of a refining process involving Church leaders, including the late President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Gérald Caussé. Hall stated he trusted the insights of these leaders despite them not being professional artists.
A one-third life-size model of the First Vision sculpture was displayed at Hall’s studio in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Given the collaborative nature of these commissions, future projects for the renovated site could follow a similar model of iterative review between professional artists and ecclesiastical authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the “Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross” statue debut?
The statue is scheduled to debut on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
What inspired the pose of Joseph Smith in the First Vision sculpture?
Hall was inspired by Michelangelo’s artwork, specifically the image of Adam reaching for the hand of God on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Which figures accompany Jesus in the cross-carrying statue?
The statue features a Jewish woman, a Roman woman, and a Roman soldier.
How do you feel public art can best capture spiritual experiences?