Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Detail of "Matthew's Journey." Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Matthew (left) and Sculptor Paul Oestreicher (right) pose next to the lifesize sculpture of Matthew. Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher first began work on the lifesize sculpture by creating a head sketch of Matthew. Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher works in his studio on a clay écorché (a human figure showing the muscles of the body with the skin removed, often used to study anatomy) study piece for “Matthew’s Journey.”

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher is shown at work on the clay version of the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture.

The finished clay version of the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture is shown in Sculptor Paul Oestreicher's studio.

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher (left) and Matthew (right) are shown in Paul's studio next to the finished clay version of the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture. Photograph courtesy of Matthew's family.

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher and Matthew prepare to unveil the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture at The Old Bedford School on October 25, 2008. Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Sculptor Paul Oestreicher (right) and Matthew (left) with the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture at The Old Bedford School. Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

Matthew stands with his family and Sculptor Paul Oestreicher at the unveiling ceremony of the lifesize "Matthew's Journey" sculpture. Photograph by Elizabeth Loggins.

The lifesize sculpture "Matthew's Journey" was commissioned by Matthew's grandmother, the late Mrs. Ann Hooks. Growing up, Matthew spent many hours visiting the public library with his grandmother. She commissioned this sculpture of Matthew with the hope that it would inspire other young boys to discover the joys of reading.