Honoring a Legacy: The Custom Bronze Memorial Sculpture at Servus Credit Union

In 2023, Servus Credit Union lost a beloved team member whose warmth, optimism, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with. To honor her legacy, CEO Steve Blakely sought a meaningful and permanent way to commemorate the light she brought to the organization. The result is a stunning custom bronze memorial sculpture now installed outside the credit union’s headquarters, a tribute that captures her energy, joy, and love for life.

A Vision Rooted in Love and Authenticity

When the decision was made to create a personalized bronze sculpture, the team wanted a reference image that reflected who she truly was. They selected a photograph she loved,one taken on a cloudy day in Dana Point, California, where she stood kissing her surfboard. It was a moment that represented her adventurous nature and her deep connection to the ocean.

This heartfelt choice became the foundation for the sculpture’s design. The finished piece features her actual surfboard. The sculpture doesn’t just resemble her,it reflects her personality, passions, and presence.

Crafting a Custom Bronze Memorial Sculpture

Creating a custom bronze statue is a deeply collaborative process, especially for memorial artworks. The sculpting team worked closely with Servus Credit Union to ensure the likeness was accurate and the emotion was genuine. Every feature, posture, and expression was refined to honor her memory with dignity and warmth.

From initial digital renders to sculpting from clay to mold creation to the final bronze casting, each step was handled with the intent of producing a piece that would stand as a timeless tribute. The use of bronze ensures durability for decades to come, even in outdoor environments, making it a perfect medium for memorial sculptures meant to inspire future generations.

A Lasting Tribute for Employees, Members, and the Community

Today, the statue stands proudly outside the Servus Credit Union building. It serves not only as a memorial but as a reminder of the positive influence one person can have on an entire community. Employees see her smile each day as they walk in. Visitors learn her story. Her spirit continues to uplift and inspire.

Art has the rare ability to preserve emotion, memory, and connection. This project is a testament to how custom bronze sculptures can honor individuals in a way that feels personal, powerful, and lasting.

Commissioning a Custom Bronze Sculpture

Whether you’re a corporation, university, municipality, or family seeking to honor someone special, a custom bronze sculpture offers a meaningful way to preserve their legacy. Our team specializes in:

• Memorial statues
• Life-size bronze sculptures
• Corporate and public art commissions

Our process is highly individualized, ensuring each piece captures the unique essence of the person or story being told.

If you’re planning a future project or exploring ways to commemorate someone who made an impact, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Contact us to start your custom bronze sculpture project.

Watch the interview here

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