President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

Project Notes:

Trusted with a Piece of History

Some projects carry a little extra weight.

At ART Research Enterprises, we have the privilege of helping artists transform vision into permanent public art. Every project matters, but occasionally one arrives that reminds us how sculpture can help preserve history, inspire conversation, and create places for future generations to gather and reflect.

Our team has been honored to contribute to the production of sculptures destined for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The figures began as clay sculptures at StudioEIS, whose artists have created some of the nation's most recognized figurative monuments. Standing approximately seven feet tall, the sculptures possess a commanding presence while maintaining the humanity and accessibility that make great figurative work so compelling.

Bringing that vision from clay to enduring public art requires the combined efforts of mold makers, wax technicians, metal chasers, fabricators, patineurs, engineers, and installers. Our role has been helping transform StudioEIS's artistic vision into permanent sculpture through the traditional craft of lost wax casting, fabrication, finishing, and installation preparation.

While visitors will ultimately experience the finished artwork, they may never see the thousands of decisions and skilled hours invested behind the scenes. Every mold produced, casting chased, weld refined, and surface finished becomes part of the story. It is a process that demands patience, precision, and respect for the artist's original intent.

Projects associated with presidential centers become more than public art installations. They become places of learning, reflection, and civic engagement that continue to serve communities for generations. Being entrusted with even a small role in that legacy is both a responsibility and an honor.

We are grateful to StudioEIS for their trust and collaboration throughout this project and proud of the dedication shown by our team here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Some projects are measured by their size.

Others are measured by the legacy they help preserve.

Artist: StudioEIS
Obama Presidential Center, Chicago, Illinois

Images shown during production at ART Research Enterprises, Inc. Original clay sculptures produced at the StudioEIS studio.