United In Space

Houston, Texas – Fifty years ago Neil Armstrong’s “one small step” on the moon signaled the start of détente and a thawing of the Cold War – fifty years later a Russian émigré and an American woman are chipping away at the new frostiness between the two countries with a peace-making sculpture of a humble hero.

Sophya Tabarovsky, a Russian émigré has lived in the USA for thirty years and who runs Kindness Without Limits, a cultural NGO affiliated with the Russian School in Houston. She commissioned major Houston sculptor, Bridgette Mongeon to create the 50th anniversary tribute to Neil Armstrong and through him the thousands of men and women who create dramatic technological and peace advances through their work in space research.

Two life-size bronze sculptures will be made of a smiling, 5’11 Armstrong, helmet in hand, metaphorically walking across the lunar surface. One statue will be erected outside the Space Center Houston. Paul Spana, exhibits director of Space Center Houston said they were, “very happy to receive the sculpture in the spirit of the 50th Apollo anniversary.”

The second sculpture will be donated to Ethnomir, an ethnographic park at Petrovir, 75 miles outside of Moscow. The park carries representations of most of the countries of the world and key individuals’ representative of the achievements of those nations.

“What many forget,” Tabarovsky said, “is that Aldrin and Armstrong took an Apollo 1 patch to the moon to honor astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee, who died in a fire during the first test of the Apollo module. They also carried with them two Soviet medals, honoring cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, who died in the Soyuz 1 spacecraft in 1967 and Yuri Gagarin, the first man to orbit the Earth, who was killed in an aircraft in 1968. They also carried a small gold olive branch – a global symbol of peace – and a silicon disk about the size of a United States half dollar. Inscribed on the disk in microscopic text are messages from the president of the United States and leaders of 73 nations from Afghanistan to Zambia solicited by Thomas Paine, then head of NASA. The messages were left on the moon.”

Tabarovsky said, “These gestures of peace, at a time of high political tension, showed that everyone working on that mission understood that worldly conflicts are dwarfed by the magnificence of space and our mutual need to protect our planet. We aim to bridge conflicts with the healing steps of peace.”

In 2012, The Russian Dialogue of Cultures Foundation donated a sculpture of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to the United States. Tabarovsky was among those who ensured it was installed alongside a panel of astronaut, John Glenn at the first NASA headquarters, now home of Houston Parks and Recreation, Texas.

Bridgette Mongeon, a well-known Houston sculptor’s most recent installation was an ornate and large depiction of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland. The bronze sculpture, immediately beloved by the many families and children who visit it, was commissioned by The Rubenstein Foundation and installed at Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire, Texas.

She is presently completing 14’of Eve for Generation Park in Houston, Texas commissioned by Ryan McCord of McCord Development to be installed in the fall of 2019. And a bust of Penny Marshall in recognition of her contribution to women’s baseball as director of the movie “A League of Their Own,” commissioned by the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. The bust will be presented at the AAGPBL September Reunion at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Funds are still being raised for the Armstrong sculpture and its installation in Houston and Russia.

HISTORIC BACKGROUND: Space exploration was a symbol of the bitter Cold War struggle between the USA and the Soviet Union. On October 4, 1957, the USA was shocked when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. The following year President Dwight Eisenhower signed a public order creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

In April 1961, the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin because the first person to orbit the earth leading to newly-elected President John F. Kennedy to declare that the USA would be the first to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. He never lived to see his dream fulfilled. On July 20, 1969 – six years after Kennedy’s assassination – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the first steps on the lunar surface. As millions of viewers around the world watched, many in tears, Armstrong called the moment “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Today space is a zone of peace and cooperation. The International Space Station, as an example, is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low earth orbit and is a joint project between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
www.unitedinspace.com

PRESS CONTACTS:

• Sophya Tabarovsky, Kindness Without Limits sophyat@gmail.com, 281-370-1464 www.unitedinspace.com
• Sculptor, Bridgette Mongeon, 713-540-3201 or Bridgette@creativesculpture.com www.creativesculpture.com

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday June 20, 2019

Kindness Without Limits Unites Russia and USA
With Two Sculptures Honoring Neil Armstrong.

Neil Armstrong in his space suit.

This year the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of man’s walk on the moon. And in Houston, Kindness Without Limits directed by Sophya Tabarovsky has commissioned sculptor Bridgette Mongeon to create a tributary bronze sculpture of Neil Armstrong. The sculpture depicts Neil Armstrong in his space suit confidently walking with helmet in hand. Mongeon will place the bronze on a base resembling the moon. Armstrong’s famous moon footprint will be in the base along with the words, “One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind.”

Sculptor—Bridgette Mongeon,  Space Center Houston Exhibits Director—Paul Spana, Kindness Without Limits—Sophya Tabarovsky

The bronze scene is a limited edition. One of the sculptures in the edition will be presented to Space Center Houston. “We are very happy to receive the sculpture, especially this year in the spirit of the 50th Apollo anniversary,” States Paul Spana exhibits director of Space Center Houston.  The sculpture will reside outside Space Center Houston giving visitors a perfect photo opportunity with the famous astronaut.

Statue of Yuri Gagarin and panel of John Glenn in Houston, near the former site of NASA Headquarters at 2999 South Wayside Drive, Houston, TX 77023.

The second bronze in the edition also has a designated spot, but on the other side of the world. This bronze will be shipped to Russia and Russians will celebrate the achievements of the United States as Neil Armstrong finds his permanent home on Russian soil at Ethnomir outside of Moscow. The others in the limited edition are yet to be designated, but the team desires to commemorate Neil Armstrong by placing the bronzes around the world.

The history of this Neil Armstrong- United in Space project is intriguing. The United States and Russia have found a partnership and friendship in space.  This project celebrates camaraderie and mutual achievements by commemorating our astronauts and cosmonauts. In 2012 The Dialogue of Cultures Foundation out of Russia donated a sculpture of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to the United States.  Tabarvosky worked to help get it installed alongside a panel of John Glenn at the first NASA headquarters, now home of Houston Parks and Recreation In Houston, Texas.  She hoped to see a sculpture of America’s Neil Armstrong placed on Russian soil, in return —and with that thought, the United in Space project began.

Neil Armstrong small clay sketch by artist Bridgette Mongeon

The United in Space – Neil Armstrong sculpture fundraising committee needs your help to see these first two sculptures created, delivered and installed in their final homes as we celebrate being United in Space. Corporate and individual sponsors are welcome. Lunar module donors will have their companies name engraved on one of the sculptures, along with the artist name.

To read about the incentives for donating visit the website at www.UnitedInSpace.com  or United in Space on Facebook.

You can make a tax-deductible donation by:

• Writing a check and sending it to:  Kindness without limits. Please put “Neil Armstrong” in the memo and mailing it to:
  P.O. Box 820564, 
Houston, Texas 77282-0564
• Through Go Fund Me at gofundme.com/neil-armstrong-statues website.
• Donating from the www. UnitedInSpace.com website.
• For more information about this project contact Sophya Tabarovsky sophyat@gmail.com, 281-370-1464

For More information about this press release or for additional photographs.

Call sculptor Bridgette Mongeon 713-540-3201 or Sophya Tabarovski

sophyat@gmail.com, 281-370-1464

On this date in 1961 Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space. The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011, declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight “to celebrate each year at the international level the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”

Today we celebrated at the sculpture of Yuri Gagarin with people from Nasa, as well as Russians and Americans. In 2012 a group from Russia gave Houston, Texas a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin. It sits outside of the original NASA headquarters on Wayside Drive along with a panel of John Glenn. On that date the United in Space project began as Sophya Tabarovsky desired to raise funds in America to send a sculpture of Neil Armstrong. The land has been designated and as you know, at this date we are trying to raise the funds to place not only a sculpture in Russia but also one in Space Center Houston.

Khou Television was there to cover the event. Students from Russia were also in attendance. They have taken part in an exchange program between Russia and the United States. Kelly Callens also took part in the Moscow Summer Intern Program as part of a student initiative of the Baker Institute Space Policy Program. She filmed a Facebook Live at the Yuri Sculpture with Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon. According to the Baker Institute website about this program website, “The purpose of the Moscow Summer Intern Program is to develop international collaborations in which engineering and science students from different countries work together to design space science projects.”

“The intent is to emulate the successes of the international cooperation and innovation that formed the basis of the International Space Station and replicate the process at the university level for the next generation of space engineers and scientists.”

Kelley comments, “For me it really opened my eyes to just to how… it is a goal for humankind to go to space. It is not a goal for a country, its not a goal for just one group of people. It really is a united goal for all humankind and we can’t get there with just one country, it has to be a group effort. So, that really opened my eyes. ”

“There is one thing that I’ll never forget that Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev told us while we are there. He said, the coolest thing.. when he went to space, and you don’t realize how significant that we could be until you get up there and you see how small the earth is, and you realize that there is no boarders. You can’t see the borders of your country, he said. It is your city, and your state, and country, and then its the world. When you realize that you can’t see conflict, you can’t see poverty, you can’t see any of those things and it really changed his perspective. .. We need to work together, and we are one group of people.”

For us at United In Space this process is more than just raising funds for a sculpture. We hope to do what Kelly has said, we hope to encourage relationships and dialogue between countries. We are United in Space. It was a great day at the sculpture and a wonderful way to celebrate the kickoff of this Neil Armstrong sculpture. Please pass the word about the fundraising. Every little bit helps.

Many thanks to KHOU for their segment on the sculpture project.

The United in Space team is very excited about these two sculptures. A substantial amount of money needs to be raised to be able to create, ship and install these sculptures in Space Center Houston and in Russia.

We have listed man ways you can donate- through pay pal, go fund me and on this website every little bit helps.

But are there other ways you can help?

• Share the video and press release or talk about the project in social media. You never know. The next person that sees it might be able to make a difference.
• Encourage students and teachers to get involved. Follow the artist, use the educational links and share what your school is doing to celebrate and learn about space especially as it pertains to STEM and STEAM. What are you curious about? Are you from America or Russia?

Through the beginning stages of this project sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has had to do a lot of research into the spacesuit that Neil Armstrong wore on the moon.

At the same time that Mongeon was beginning to do more extensive research on Neil Armstrong she was also writing a Book on 3D technology in Fine art. She was delighted to discover that in 2015 the Smithsonian began a Kickstarter to enable them not only to try to preserve the suit but to use digital technology such as 3D scanning, photogrammetry, chemical analysis, CT scanning, to create a digital map of the suit.

Though the Smithsonian has been under a deadline to get the suit restored and on display for the 50th anniversary, Space Center Houston has put Mongeon in contact with designated individuals on the project who can assist the artist in trying to capture this important detail.

Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon’s hope is that she can obtain the 3D model of the suit to assist her in her process.

EDUCATION-

Mongeon is very passionate about 3D scanning especially as it pertains to cultural artifacts and has written about it in her book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning Sculpting, and Milling.

Mongeon uses 3D scanning in her work all the time. She will use it with the Neil Armstrong sculpture as well. Recently she scanned a model of her Alice in Wonderland Sculpture. Check out her video showing the 3D scan of Alice. of Alice. Fast forward to 5:14 to see the scan.

Why is 3D scanning important? 3D scanning allows us to preserve and present cultural artifacts. The Smithsonian is not new to 3D scanning; in fact, many museums are scanning their collections so that people from all over the world can view them. Visit Smithsonian x3d to see what else they have scanned.

Another resource for 3D scanning and education is CyArk. CyArk is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to digitally record, archive and share the world’s most significant cultural heritage and ensure that these places continue to inspire wonder and curiosity for decades to come. Check out their scan of Mount Rushmore, the Royal Tombs of Kasubi or the Parthenon. They offer free lesson plans for students on their website.

Did you know that NASA has free 3D models on their website? Their website says you will find a growing collection of 3D models, textures, and images from inside NASA. All of these resources are free to download and use.

As part of the Smithsonian Kickstarter for Neil Armstrong Suit preservation they did offer the glove as a 3D file for printing. With a little digging Mongeon found this link that provides files.

Keep watching for more educational resources. What is your class doing with 3D scanning or 3D objects?

From the artist’s Studio- Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon

As you see in the video on YouTube, much has happened with this sculpture since first being introduced to it and the project when it was a dream in 2012. The sculpture has gone through a couple of design revisions. When first approached by Sophya Tabarovski in 2012 I searched the internet for images of my subject. Many images are documenting Neil Armstrong’s accomplishments and life through his space travels, for which I am thankful.

In the original design I liked the flight suit because you could see more action in his walk. I loved the thumb up and his smile. The more I researched the more I felt myself being transported to the action so many years ago. I found the image below on news report that talked about all the problems that Neil Armstrong had before even landing. The article by John Blackstone – Apollo 11 crew recalls Armstrong’s nerve-wracking moon landing helped to bring to light the enormity of this task which they embarked . Further research lead me to the horrible thought that the president even had a speech ready should they not make it. How brave these astronauts were as they went into the unknown.

The original design did solidify a couple of things. First the famous saying One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind would be in the base of the sculpture. Even if there is some controversy about the words as reported in this article One Small Step for Man’: Was Neil Armstrong Misquoted? on Space.com by Natalie Wolchover. I’m glad they were said and are a part of our history.

The other given element was that I wanted the pedestal to resemble the moon with footprints from the moon behind him. I love the idea of putting my footprint next to the moon footprint as kind of a “foot selfie,” and I see others doing it as they visit Ethnomir in Russia or the Space Center Houston. I am sure that many will be hesitant to step on the base. I love it when people interact with my art. I prefer things at ground level rather than on a pedestal. My sculpture of the Mad Hatter Tea party “Move One Place On in Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire has children climbing all over it. However, it is up to the discretion of those who receive the sculpture as to how they encourage onlookers. I can also see people wanting to stand next to Armstrong and getting a selfie, Which will warrant standing on the base. Please note: I don’t say this is a sculpture of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, because … well, he is not wearing his helmet, see below, and that just does not make sense. I just wanted these design elements in the base.

Though I liked the initial pose, doing a bronze sculpture of an astronaut with a helmet as shown in the photo means that the face will not show as well. So we had to figure that out. In the first design, he is in a flight suit, which is different than a space suit. In the first design there is no helmet. The second design things changed. With that change, the client asked that he be in his space suit. I’m going to dedicate some future posts to the conversation of the space suit and won’t go into that a lot here. The Space Center Houston has put me in contact with the Smithsonian who will guide me in this endeavor. There is a lot to discuss about the space suit, for over the last few years finding the “true” reference was a challenge. Luckily the Smithsonian has the real suit and has scanned it. I have the names of the contacts there, and they will help me with all my details. I hope when I talk to them, I can do more of a podcast interview. I used to create a fine art and technology podcast and I would love to revive it with this interview on the scanning and protection of the original space suit. I can’t want to get into the sculpting life size, but first the team needs to raise a bit of money and I’m finishing up a large 13 foot sculpture. I hope to start sculpting on the large Neil Armstrong in May/June 2019. You can follow here or on my instagram, or twitter as I document a lot of my work.

You may also notice that I created the first design digitally. I work both traditionally and digitally and incorporate a lot of technology in my process, which you will see in future “From the artist’s studio” posts. I speak to adults and children about STEM and STEAM, the interdisciplinary educational initiative of Science Technology Engineering Art and Math. I wrote a book called 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling and am working on an update. If you are interested in learning more, here is a key note from Young Women in Math in Science, and another video from a Keynote intro from the Texas Art Educators conference. The first design was created in my computer using the reference and a digital sculpting program called Zbrush.

The new design began when the client wanted Neil in a space suit, and she felt it was important to have a small version of the sculpture to show others. We could have done it digitally, and 3D printed it out, but instead, I went to traditional clay. I sway back and forth, and with each process whether traditional or digital they have their advantages and disadvantages. The first disadvantage was I had to sculpt everything and most importantly his face all over again. It is also hard to put in such detail on a space suit when he is so small at just ten inches. I prefer creating a larger piece as what we call an “artist maquette.” So the new design will incorporate the same base, footprint and saying, but will instead have him walking in that confident intent that I have seen in so many of his images. He will be carrying his helmet, and I will be doing my best to sculpt the many details of that original space suit. With the help of the Smithsonian.

Be sure to follow along.

EDUCATION
If you are not old enough to remember the walk on the moon, take time to ask older friends and family what they remember.

Sophya Tabarovsky began collaborating with sculptor Bridgette Mongeon in 2012 when the sculpture of Yuri Gagarin was first installed in Houston, Texas and Sophya desired a sculpture of Neil Armstrong to be set on Russian soil. In 2019 Space Center Houston committed to receiving the second bronze in the edition of Neil Armstrong from the United In Space committee, and the fundraising began.

Bridgette Mongeon is a sculpture working over 30 years in the Houston area. She is known for her numerous commission of individuals such as entertainers like B. B. King, Willie Nelson, and Bill Monroe. She has been hired by universities to create mascots that you can see at Prairie View A & M and Grambling State University. Her recent work installed in 2018 has taken her to Wonderland as she is the sculptor of the Monumental sculpture of Alice In Wonderland Mad Hatter Tea Party in Evelyn’s Park.

Mongeon is also the author of “3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft Exploring 3D printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling.”  The publishing of her book awarded her the title of 19 of 30 most influential women in 3D Printing.

Mongeon is a proponent of STEM/STEAM education—an interdisciplinary educational initiative that focuses on Science, Technology Engineer, Art, and Math. She is a sought after speaker on the subject and has presented at such conferences as Texas Art Educators, Expanding your Horizons- Young Women in Math and Science, and 3D Printing World Expo and many more.

EDUCATORS Mongeon documents her process and her research in creating her work. These blog posts are more than “how to sculpt; they are also the historical, educational, emotional and technological influences.  Mongeon is a perpetual learner and educator, and in her previous sculpting projects, she has incorporated educational elements to help teachers, educators, parents, and homeschoolers. She will be blogging her process and the research with educational links and resources on The United In Space Website. She is interested in how others are learning and sharing about space exploration and STEM/ STEAM and would love to share your adventures on this blog as well.

You can find more about her and her work on these social media links.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BridgetteMongeonSculptor/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bridgettemongeon
Twitter https://twitter.com/sculptorwriter
Fine Art Website http://www.creativesculpture.com
Art and Technology website Digitalsculpting.net
Alice Sculpture Website http://www.alicesculpture.com

It is the dream of Sophya Tabarovsky to see a sculpture of American astronaut Neil Armstrong installed on Russian soil as well as see the companion piece at the Space Center Houston. See the YouTube video for the details. The dream began in 2011 when she was instrumental in having a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin placed in Houston, Texas.

Community and international relations run through the blood of Sophya and she has exhibited it in her career and life. Here is a little information about the United In Space Sculpture coordinator and her contributions to Russia, America and those that love space.

Sophya (Sonia) Tabarovsky is from Chita, southeastern Siberian province of the Russian Federation. She worked at the only local TV station in Novosibirsk as a TV reporter, news anchor, and moderator. In 1989 she and her family immigrated to the United States with refugee status. In 1995 she became a US citizen, and currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

— In 1993, after settling in Houston, She began broadcasting a weekly Sunday Russian radio program on AM 1050 KCHN  making her first radio bridge with her Russian colleagues in Moscow the following year.  She continues this program to this day.  Having maintained her connections with the Russian media, she has kept current on the issues facing the Russian people today.  In addition to her radio show, she has organized many Russian-American festivals for the Russian-American community in Houston, and in 2000 established a “Day of Russia” in the Fiesta supermarket during the first week of March each year dedicated to International Women’s day. 

— In 1999, she started a registered nonprofit organization called Kindness without Limits to provide modest humanitarian support to primarily the elderly and orphaned children, as well as to foster families in Chita. 

— In 2000, she organized the first Russian charitable ball in Houston with participants from the Russian Embassy in Washington D.C.  She organized the Russian Festival in Hermann Square outside Houston City Hall in which Russian and American dignitaries, Russian cosmonauts, and American astronauts participated. 

— Abroad, in the northern-most city of Okha, Sakhalin, she helped start the city’s first live radio broadcast “People are People”, a program about Americans aired each Friday, and created TV programs for the local viewers.

—She also has broadcasted the Russian Radio program “We, Texas and Russia” 1993-present.

—In March, 2002, she opened the Russian Saturday School in Houston to teach the Russian language, culture, literature, history, art, and theater to Russian-American children.

—In September of 2004, after the Beslan middle school terror attack, she started the Beslan Project of Kindness without Limits, whose mission it was to bring some of the more seriously injured survivors of the attack to Houston for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Community Services:

—Organizing the Russian-American Festivals in Nassau Bay City (NASA) 1995-1997 with invitation of the Russian dignitaries from the Russian government, Russian businessmen, Russian cosmonauts.

—Organized the first Russian Festival in front of City Hall in Houston, 2000.

—Organized the first Russian Charitable Ball 2000 with invitation of the Russian dignitaries from the Russian Embassy in Washington.

—2012 Initiated with the Mayor of Houston opening the First in Space monument dedicated to the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and American astronaut John Glenn.

—In 2014 opened in EaDo a First in Space Tree Alley. The first pair of trees dedicated to Gagarin and Armstrong. The second ones will be dedicated to the First Women in Space. 

—In 2011 initiated the break ground event in the Ethnomir Kaluga region (Russia) for the Neil Armstrong statue.

—2019 initiated the presentation and award of the anticipated Neil Armstrong Sculpture in Space Center Houston.

Contact Information- Sophya Tabarovsky sophyat@gmail.com, 281-370-1464