New sculpture in Kidron, Ohio, shows beauty of connections

The local and global work of MCC is displayed in the visual elements of the Earth-shaped metal sculpture outside MCC Connections and the Kidron MCC Material Resources Center. The words “relief,” “development” and “peace” that wrap around the globe are central components of the mission of MCC. Buckets that hold kit supplies and bags for thrifted goods are represented as well. They lace together as one with the cross at the center.

The ribbons of metal that make up the globe have a flowing motion, much like cloth. Intentional or not, as humans, we often express our cultural identities through the textiles we wear and use. The variety of colors and textures in the metal reflects the textiles tied to the multiplicity of human experiences around the world. Similar to how the metal ribbons rest on and support each other, we also weave our lives together on this planet.

All of the metal on the sculpture is reclaimed aluminum. I enjoy the process of gathering metal for a sculpture, wondering about its past as I prepare it, and imagining the future of its story as I add it to a sculpture. Nearly all of the metal, including the words, I cut out by hand. After cutting and sanding the pieces, I welded them to the sculpture. The last step, and one of my favorites, was to move it outside, watch it glitter in the sunlight for the first time, and paint it.

Emma Zuercher, July 2025
Emma Zuercher is a sculptor from Apple Creek, Ohio. She now lives and works in Goshen, Indiana, where she creates steel and aluminum sculptures. She is a 2023 graduate of Goshen College, where she studied Sign Language Interpreting and Art. When she is not interpreting or making art, she enjoys gardening, being active outdoors, and shopping at MCC thrift stores.