A Nativity Story
- Nicole Meisberger
- Dec 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Years after the nearly 4 foot elephant went missing from the nativity scene at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral, artist, Gina Golden of Dragon Phoenix was commissioned to carve a replacement. The elephant is not only hand carved, but also hand painted. The scene contains more than a couple of dozen figures which are different sizes to illustrate scale and depth. It has also been a unique display of ethnic diversity. This set was created in Italy in the early 1920s.
Provided with only faint photos, the sculpture took Gina almost a year to finish before its viewing this December. She chose the paint by referencing elements of designs from the other figures. She stated, "It was a true labor of love. I painted a heart inside."
The full collection is on display at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral, 1347 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis. www.ssppc.org
Having grown up with a father who loved to create, Gina has been influenced by art since she can remember. She studied illustration at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. It doesn't stop there. Gina worked for the Easter Conservation Services for over 16 years, when she restored damaged and broken art of all kinds. Now she owns Dragon Phoenix Collectibles where she repairs any beloved piece of art, from antique portraits to ornate pictures frames. This is not Photoshop. This is the real deal! Some items can also be purchased on eBay.
Gina lives with her fiancé in the Holy Cross neighborhood. They share a studio where he works on tobacco pipes and accessories. The home has beautiful woodwork and is surrounded by her paintings, carvings and wooden creations such as a table made from a guitar. She is a master restorer of art. Gina is a member of the WOIA (Women of Indianapolis Artists). Pictured is a painting in the process of being restored, as well as ornate frames. Gina sits on her settee in front of her painting and other art.
Gina Golden can be contacted for repairs, restorations or gifts;
317-332-5138
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