SC Sculptor Charles Pate unveils groundbreaking statue honoring Judge Tanya A. Gee
August 20, 2024
South Carolina sculptor Charles Pate made history with the unveiling of a groundbreaking statue honoring the late Judge Tanya A. Gee at a dedication ceremony held at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater. Believed to be the first statue of a female judge in South Carolina, this monumental piece is a testament to Judge Gee’s extraordinary legacy.
Pate’s realistic creation captures the essence of Judge Gee’s spirit, intellect, and warmth. The statue, a life-size bronze, portrays her with a serene yet powerful demeanor, reflecting the balance of compassion and authority that defined her judicial career.
“This statue is more than just a piece of art,” said Pate. “It’s a tribute to a remarkable woman who made a profound impact on our community. I wanted to capture not only her physical likeness but also the depth of her character.”
The statue has been met with overwhelming praise, particularly from Judge Gee’s husband, Chris Koon. He expressed profound gratitude for Pate’s talent by saying, “His art really conveys a sense of emotion and soul. And from the very beginning, Charles just got what we were going for. He understood the vision we had and what we wanted to evoke with this statue.” He goes on to praise Pate’s ability to capture his wife’s essence. “He somehow managed to recreate her serenity — her serene, kind, friendly expression that she always had. He also managed to capture her eyes. And that’s the part that really blew me away when I first saw it.”
The dedication ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of Judge Gee’s extraordinary life, accomplishments, her ability to resonate with so many in the Columbia, SC area, and her love of the Riverwalk. Attendees were deeply moved by her tribute, the sculpture and its ability to evoke a profound sense of connection to the late judge.
“We believe it is the first judicial statue of a female judge in SC. Which seems long overdue. It seems kind of ridiculous,” said Koon. “We hope this starts a trend and inspires other young women to pursue the same course.”
About Charles Pate
Charles Pate is a sculptor based in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for his ability to create lifelike and emotionally resonant works, Pate has gained national recognition for his exceptional talent. This statue of Judge Tanya A. Gee is a testament to his artistry and his commitment to honoring extraordinary individuals.
