Commissions
"Hill Country Soul"
by Paul Malichi and Michael Hall
A gift to the city of Wimberley for its support of creative vitality
From The Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance
Sponsored by Dr. Hilda V. Carpenter and Steven J. Green
"In Good Hands"
For John Rexroad
By Michael Hall
National Space Society
In 1996 Michael was commissioned, by The National Space Society, to create two, bi-annual memorial awards, one in bronze and one in stainless steel, to be awarded alternately, to outstanding individuals in the field of space exploration and technology. Even numbered years it is the Robert Heinlein Award and odd numbered years it is The Wernher Von Braun Award. Some of the award recipients in past years are: Neil Armstrong, James Lovell, Charles "Chuck" Yaeger, Dr. Robert Zubrin and Burt Rutan, to name a few. In 2006 Michael was commissioned to create another award this one Honoring Gerard K O'Neill and so was born the "Gerard K O'Neill Space Settlement award". The first of these was awarded, in 2007, to Apollo 17 Mission Scientist and former Senator Harrison "Jack" Schmitt.
Left: The Warner Von Braun Award
Right: Burt Rutan receiving the Von Braun Award
"Ascending Doves"
For the Fountain at Laity Lodge
Installed in 2008 at the Laity Lodge H.E.B Foundation Camp in Leakey, Texas "Ascending Doves" is an excellent example of Michaels' ability to capture a moment of movement and preserve it for all to enjoy. Commisioned as an installation of only four doves in 2007 the owners called Michael back to create 10 more after they had seen the initial results. There are now a total of 14 white doves enjoying the dancing waters of the fountain.
"Wild Onion Doves"
White wing Doves at the water tank
After restoring an old water feature on the Onion Creek Ranch the owners wanted to add some more life. Michael sculpted this beautiful group of White Wing Doves, regular visitors to the ranch, capturing them just as they arrive at what looks to be a favorite watering hole. Note that the seventh Dove sits on the fence keeping a lookout.
"A Boy's Dream"
An Infant Memorial
In 1996 Michael was commissioned to create an infant memorial by a family in Lexington, Tx. who had lost their 18 month old son. In the sculpture, “ A Boy's Dream “, Michael chose to portray a pseudo-classical cherub playfully holding a boy's toy airplane. The grace, harmony and delicate balance of this memorial has a positive and uplifting effect on the viewer in its playful celebration of a life remembered.
2012's winner of the Robert Heinlein Memorial Award through the National Space Society, Dr. Stephen Hawking
Other annual awards created and produced by Michael include the “Helen J. Farabee Award”, since 1989, for The United Way of Texas; and the “T. Berry Brazelton Infant Mental Health Advocacy Award”, also since 1989, for The Texas Association for Infant Mental Health, in Dallas, Tx.