It’s Scanning Day!

Today, artist Bridgette Mongeon completed the 3D scan of the small maquette of Grandma Gatewood, creating a digital model that paves the way for the next steps in this inspiring journey. You may recall that she was also working on a sculpture of Mother Boo in the studio, and was able to integrate the scanning of Grandma Gatewood into that process. Mother Boo helped Grandma Gatewood on this long journey back to the AT and her home cemetery. 

Let’s explore the inspiring journey of sculptor Bridgette Mongeon.

Maquette
A maquette is a miniature version of the sculpture that serves multiple purposes: it offers a design layout for approval from family or committees and helps sculptors and vendors assess the mass of the sculpture to provide accurate pricing. 

√ The maquette has been completed and received heartfelt approval from Grandma Gatewood's family. 

3D Scan
While the maquette is a small-scale work, modern technology allows us to transcend traditional methods. In the past, sculptors manually measured points on the small sculpture and painstakingly translated them to create larger versions. Now, with the power of 3D scanning, we can effortlessly create a digital model that empowers artists and vendors to enlarge the art, serving as an armature  for the sculptor's creative vision. 

CNC
CNC, or Computer Numerically Controlled milling, revolutionizes the process. The sculptor takes the 3D scan, enlarges it to the desired height, and, with the help of CNC machines—sophisticated automated tools—vendors carve out the pieces. These foam components are then returned to the artist, who begins to breathe life into them with clay. This inspiring process will lead us to a stunning life-size statue of Grandma Gatewood. 

We have our scan and are eagerly awaiting the generous donations that will enable us to create the life-size statue. Just as Grandma Gatewood overcame challenges on her first journey along the Appalachian Trail, we believe that, with your support, the Grandma Gatewood faced challenges during her first journey along the Appalachian Trail, the committee is optimistic that, with your support, we can help the Grandma Gatewood statue overcome the next hurdles on its journey.