Anchoring the east end of the Sculpture Garden, the 300-pound stainless steel, single raindrop sculpture, designed in 2009 by Arkansas artist Ryan Schmidt was donated to the Mansion in 2011. Schmidt was commissioned last year to build an Arc to suspend Rain of Faith in its hanging position on the Mansion grounds, keeping with the intent of its original 2009 design.

​

“When I began researching Rain of Faith, I was delighted to discover the strong element of faith associated with its title and the artist’s desire that it become a source of encouragement and inspiration,” First Lady Susan Hutchinson said.  “Rain of Faith signifies grace and truth and their enabling power to overcome darkness and reign triumphantly.  I’m delighted that it will have a special place in the Mansion sculpture garden, inspiring people for years to come.”

​

Schmidt, a native of Bryant, Ark, is renowned for turning his sketches of sweeping arcs and sleek curvilinear lines into fine stainless steel sculptures.  He has exhibited throughout California, Michigan, Arkansas, Florida, and Taiwan, and was most recently awarded the Proskauer Prize at the National Sculpture Society’s 85th Annual Awards Exhibition for his Rain of Faith Sculpture (2018).