Bronze Sculpture & Artwork by Sister
Marie Henderson, RSM
Explore the inspiration behind the art
"I welcome all to my online art gallery which features a variety of my
bronze art, as well as other artwork. As you scan these pages, you will
notice that much of my work is dedicated to portraying the wonderful charism
and spirit of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. I hope
that viewing these pages piques your interest in finding out more about her
and her enthusiastic devotion to the poor, the sick and the uneducated,
especially women and children. Enjoy your visit and I hope that you find
something to inspire you on these pages. Please feel free to return again
often. You will remain in my prayers, as I hope I will be present in yours."
McAuley Images: Portrait of the Sculptor
Although art has always been a significant part of Marie Henderson's
life, it was not until attending Mercy High School in Detroit, MI, that her
association with Sister Mary Ignatius Denay, RSM, gave her the impetus to
pursue and develop her talent. Marie received her Bachelor of Arts degree
from Mercy College of Detroit in 1971 and her Master of Arts degree from
Eastern Michigan University in 1984. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi
honor society, has studied abroad and is well traveled. She taught high
school for 30 years and chaired the departments in which she taught for 28
of those years. Her artwork has always focused on individuals who have made
significant contributions to society.
A few years prior to entering the Sisters of Mercy, in 1985, her artwork
began to focus on Catherine McAuley, the first Sister of Mercy. She has
always worked in a wide variety of media including: oil, watercolor, pencil,
charcoal, pastel, ink, calligraphy and bronze. Her fascination with
sculpting, however, remains at the center of her work, which allows her to
combine her passion for working in bronze with her devotion to the charism
of Catherine McAuley, as well as to numerous other religious and historical
figures.
As a result of her many forms of artistic expression — and an
overwhelming interest by the public in purchasing her works of art — McAuley
Images was born.
She continues to develop lifesize bronze art, bronze busts, bronze
reliefs and bronze table sculptures and is now able to concentrate on taking
commissions for bronzes of individuals who are being commemorated and
recognized by a casting in bronze by their specific communities, churches,
religious congregations and/or families.
Over the years she has produced bronze art for many of the 25 Regional
Communities of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Congregations worldwide as well
as for Mercy sponsored institutions and organizations.
In addition to the sculptures you see on this website, her sculptures can
be modified to feature individuals key to your organization, history or
religious congregation.
Completely new compositions are also available upon request. Some of her
most popular pieces include:
Catherine McAuley, foundress of the
Sisters of Mercy,
Frances Warde, first Sister of Mercy to
establish a foundation in America,
St. Thomas More, Lawyer and Catholic
martyr beheaded under Henry VIII
A relief
featuring Catherine McAuley, Nelson Mandella, Desmond Tutu, Mother Theresa
& Elizabeth Seton set alongside the original Baggot Street
Foundation/House of Mercy.
Contact Information
Sister Marie Henderson, a member of the Sisters of Mercy Regional
Community of Detroit, currently serves as an instructor at the University of
Detroit Mercy. The many incredible bronze sculptural pieces, as well as
drawings and watercolors, seen in these webpages are available directly from
the artist. In addition, she is now able to accept commissioned pieces.
McAuley Images
Catherine McAuley, foundress of the
Sisters of Mercy,