ST. LOUIS — Sculpting stones into statues, Abraham Mohler chisels away at his latest project Wednesday afternoon.
He's used to turning nothing into something, making art come to life.
"The work that I hope to do will begin to show the human in a beautiful light," Mohler said.
He has an eye for this type of work and his sights have been set on a former abandoned century-old church in Soulard for some time. It sits on the corner of Gravois and Allen Avenues.
"I'm drawn to the architecture of the space, I'm drawn to the two buildings and this corner and I want to see them restored," he said.
He made it his own in 2019, creating the Lucas Schoolhouse.
It offers art classes, drawing meet-ups, apprentice programs and one-on-one instruction. The church was set up to be an independent workspace for artists.
The space has become a sanctuary for artists and sculptors who tend to focus on stone carving, bronze work and woodworking.
The building next door is used for its gallery and events.
The final products have been placed in businesses, cemeteries and churches in the greater St Louis area.
"The things we lack the most as artists are time and space, so if I can encourage artists to use those gifts God gave them, then I think that's part of the human flourishing. That’s where I drive my sense of joy, it feels good to do that work and that’s what this place provides me," he said.
Mohler doesn't want this type of artwork to die.
He explained there isn't a lot of stone fabrication in the custom cuts and specialty sculpture.
"I fill a niche that’s been vacated and it’s on the verge of being extinct. I’m trying to refill that void," he said.
His fears came close though when a fire swarmed the church last week destroying the church, which is the artists' workspace.
The St. Louis Fire Department told 5 On Your Side investigators have not learned the cause of the fire just yet and the investigation is ongoing.
While some of the heavier equipment may be manageable to use, Mohler said, the church is totaled.
The gallery wasn't touched by the flames, yet a part of his dream is now missing.
"It's a devastating loss," he said.
Just like time and time before though, Mohler is sparked with creativity. Now, he's trying to turn this situation and make something new.
"The hope that I had, has been knocked down and set back for sure, but I think the hope is still there," Mohler said.
If you're interested in donating, click here to find the GoFundMe set up by the operation's manager.
Mohler said the money would maintain operations and have the staff necessary to get events up and running at the gallery.