January 20, 2025, Press Release from The American Society of Ephesus, Inc: LIMA, Ohio, January 20, 2025 – The American Society of Ephesus (“ASE”), in cooperation with ArtSpace/Lima, has announced the winners in the adult age category (over 18) of the Design Competition for the new Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at Indian Lake. Those winners are:
- Robert Patricy, of Columbus, Ohio;
- The Faith in Action Team, of Minster, Ohio; and,
- Matt Bensman, of Anna, Ohio.
Pictured: The design entry from Matt Bensma.
A reception will be held at ArtSpace/Lima, 65 Town Square, in Lima on Saturday, January 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., at which the top three winning entries in this age category will be displayed. Cash prizes will be presented to the winners by ASE board members. “The amount of creativity put into these designs by artists of all ages has been very impressive. We are very excited to host this reception for the adult age group,” said Sally Windle, Executive Director of ArtSpace/Lima.
A previous reception was held on October 26 for the younger winners.
The statewide design competition for the new shrine opened last June after the original shrine was destroyed by a tornado that hit the Indian Lake region on March 14, 2024. The original shrine was built in 1964 and was almost 60 years old. “We held a statewide design competition to get community input as well as new ideas from Ohio artists of all ages,” said Bill Quatman, president of ASE. A 5-person jury reviewed the design submissions and selected the winners in several age groups. “The three finalists in the Over 18 age category will receive cash prizes at the upcoming reception,” Sally Windle said. “After interviewing multiple firms, ASE has hired an architect and a sculptor to design the new shrine. I know they hope to use the best ideas from several of the winning entries,” Ms. Windle added.
Pictured: The design entry from Robert Patricy.
“We were very impressed with the quality and variety of designs that were submitted,” said Bill Quatman. “Now comes the hard part of creating a new shrine that uses the best ideas that we have received. Our architect, Freytag & Associates, will help us to do that,” Mr. Quatman added. “Once we have the site design finalized and plans drawn up, we will solicit bids from area contractors to build the new shrine,” he said.
ASE plans for an August 15, 2026, dedication for the new shrine at Indian Lake.
For more information, visit www.ase-gbqfoundation.org or www.artspacelima.com.
The American Society of Ephesus, Inc. (George B. Quatman Foundation) is a non-profit private foundation formed in 1955 and based in Lima, Ohio, whose mission is to promote a greater realization and appreciation of the teachings and wonders of God; to preserve and erect religious shrines; and to restore and preserve the burial grounds of outstanding religious leaders.
ArtSpace/Lima is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual arts to all throughout the Lima area and beyond. The mission of ArtSpace/Lima is to enrich the community with creativity through exhibitions, educational programs, and events relevant to all cultures and populations. ArtSpace/Lima is supported by grants from the Ohio Arts Council and Arts Midwest.
Pictured: The original Our Lady of Fatima Shrine was destroyed by a tornado.
The Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at Russells Point, Ohio, was one of the tallest statues of the Virgin Mary in the United States. Dedicated in August 1964, the 43’-tall monument included a rotating 19’-6” fiberglass statue on a concrete pedestal with fountains, music, and lighting. It was damaged beyond repair by the March 2024 tornado prior to a planned 60th anniversary celebration. The shrine property is located at 261 Chase Ave., Russells Point, Ohio.
