Antonio “Toby” Mendez did not know much about Maggie L. Walker when he first began working on the statue that now stands at Adams and Broad streets in Downtown Richmond. But as the process of making the statue progressed, he learned more about her life and works.

“I kept finding myself saying, ‘She did that too?’ ” he says.

“Maggie Lena Walker was a dynamo, did everything and did it well. She was constantly raising the bar for the people around her. She did that by making opportunities for people through jobs and education.”

Mr. Mendez was chosen by the Richmond Public Art Commission from nearly 100 applicants as the artist to sculpt the statue of Maggie Lena Walker that was unveiled last Saturday to the cheers of hundreds of people, including Mrs. Walker’s descendants, Maggie L. Walker High School alumni, city officials and others. The 10-foot bronze statue stands in a new plaza that also has information about her life.

The biggest challenge, Mr. Mendez says, was making sure that all stakeholders were clear on what time period in Mrs. Walker’s life the sculpture would represent. Mr. Mendez attended community meetings with images of Mrs. Walker to clearly articulate his vision. The final piece represents Mrs. Walker at the height of her career, when she was in her mid- to late 40s to early 50s.

“The best part was meeting the family, working with the National Park Service and working with people in the community,” he says. “I feel like I made more than a handful of friends in the process.”

As a sculptor, Mr. Mendez is an avid reader, which he describes as a critical part of his research process. For the Walker statue, his research including going through archive materials from the National Park Service, online sources and talking to historians about Mrs. Walker. He also brought his cumulative knowledge to the project. He says this enabled him to dive right into the work.

“We didn’t have to spend too much time setting the stage. I already had context. We got right to the material that is pertinent to telling her story.”

While a project of this magnitude will have some critics, the 53-year-old Pleasant Valley, Md., resident says he takes it in stride.

“Certainly there were people who were obstructionists. But you have to keep in mind change never comes easy, and sometimes you just have to keep focus and have faith that doing the right thing is never wrong.”

He also credits the project’s success to the work of his collaborators. Mrs. Walker had an influence on him as well, he says, adding that she likely would have advice for him if she could see the completed project.

“I am certain that I would be told to give credit to the other valued players in her life and to give credit where credit is due,” he says. “I suspect that I would be encouraged to raise the bar.”

Meet an inspiring artist and this week’s Personality, Antonio “Toby” Mendez:

Occupation: Sculptor.

What I do: I create public monuments and memorials and create sculptures for gallery showings.

Date of birth: Sept. 28.

Current home: Pleasant Valley, Md.

Alma mater: Bachelor of fine arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Art, for me, is: My way of expression, something that provokes thought and introspection.

When were you introduced to art: As a child. I am the son of a painter and an interior decorator.

Why sculpting: I like 3D, that you are challenged with capturing a subject at 360 degrees.

Greatest artistic influence: Mostly 19th century sculpture.

What is the relevance of art to the growth and development of our youths: Art challenges you on so many levels. It makes you familiar with history. It requires that you be able to write. It draws upon your knowledge of math and science. As artists, we may have an inspiration, but to realize the work, you have to be familiar with so many disciplines.

How did I prepare for the Maggie L. Walker project: The project started with thorough research, meeting with the community, historians, Mrs. Walker’s family, the Maggie Walker site team, members of the city’s staff and then becoming familiar with and working with the collaborative team.

How did I feel when chosen as Walker sculptor: I was thrilled and excited to be chosen to help create this memorial. What is unique about the memorial is that it is not just a sculpture on a pedestal, but also required the ability to work with a team of architects and engineers to help design a cohesive memorial space.

What was the most difficult part about this project: Making sure that we were faithfully telling Maggie Walker’s story and making sure we were listening carefully to the desires of the many people who care so dearly about Mrs. Walker.

The most inspirational aspect about this overall project: Knowing that a story will be finally shared and seen nationally — that a community is going to beam with pride, is excited to see this come to fruition and that I had a part in that process.

Artists that inspired and helped guide me for this project: I really enjoyed working with the landscape architects at VHB, both Nancy Rodriquez and Jean Garbier.

What do you hope people will experience when viewing your work: The goal is to draw the viewer or public into the site, capture their attention and that they leave knowing the story of Maggie Walker, so that the word will spread and more people will know about her life.

How has spending so much time on the Maggie L. Walker project inspired me personally: It makes me reflect on what I am doing. Am I getting the most out of my life? That is always a great motivator.

What I think Maggie Walker would say about my work: I would not be surprised if she would want me to adjust the dress and hair.

How I start the day: I have the luxury of sitting with my better half, Dee Dee, and starting the day with coffee and conversation, listening to nature.

Best late-night snack: This is where you hear how much I like cookies and chocolate.

I place top value on: What I am leaving behind.

A quote that I am inspired by is: From the poem, “If” by Rudyard Kipling: “If you can keep your head when all about you/Are losing theirs and blaming it on you/If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you/But make allowance for their doubting too …”   

That kept running through my head continually during the process of creating this important project because it is bigger than us.

A way that I find to unwind is: Conversation, golf, wine and beer.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Play golf.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Check your ego at the door and assume that you are wrong. Be willing to listen.

The person who influenced me the most: Both of my parents. My mom taught me how to dream and my dad taught me how to go forward.

Book that influenced me the most: “Let the Trumpet Sound: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Stephen B. Oates.

My next goal: It is always about finding meaningful work and making sure I am making it meaningful.