The only sculpture in the collection, this bronze statue created by area artist John Leon is striking. John called it an "honor to be commissioned to create a Mother Teresa sculpture." He said of the piece, "I made her hands big, a symbolic statement about the power of her deeds in life and all the burdens she was able to carry, and also, as they hold the child, emphasizing the protective nature of her caring. I was struck by how moving it was to work on her portrait. I felt a great tenderness in forming the clay into her likeness. Those feelings had to have emanated from my thoughts of her love-giving life of dedication and service."

Interestingly, many of the artists chose to depict Mother's hands larger than they were in real life. Many expressed the same sentiment as John or a similar one about her generosity or giving nature.

“It is an honor to be commissioned by MOSA to create a Mother Teresa sculpture. It was moving to work on her and I felt a great tenderness in forming the clay into her likeness. Those feelings had to have emanated from my thoughts of her love-giving life of dedication and service.”

John’s parents emigrated from Greece. He lives in Cincinnati graduating from high school in 1972, the year he began sculpting. His passion became his profession in 1980. His work ranges from table-top sized sculptures to monumental works. His art is displayed in collections located in the United States, Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Australia, and Greece. He has completed over 500 bronze sculptures and dozens in other media. Tennis fans might recognize John’s statue of Paul Flory that is displayed at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.