George Romero bust to be unveiled at Monroeville Mall

Christian Stavrakis’ IndieGoGo campaign is aptly named “Monroeville or Bust.”

When the three-day “Living Dead Weekend” kicks off (pun intended) Friday at Monroeville Mall, it will feature the unveiling of a bronze likeness of the late George A. Romero. The filmmaker, who made Pittsburgh his adopted home, shot much of “Dawn of the Dead” 40 years ago in the mall.

Thanks to local sculptor and filmmaker Christian Stavrakis, Romero’s contribution to Pennsylvania, independent film, and the zombie genre itself finally has a permanent home!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the production of Dawn of the Dead at the Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, PA … The Mall has long been a destination for fans of George’s work from all over the world, and now – with the blessing of the Mall’s management – a permanent memorial to George may be installed, in the form of a bronze portrait bust sculpted by myself and sponsored by Cryptic Pictures, a company which wouldn’t exist without his inspiration.

Despite its historical significance, very little actually remains of the original structure. After years of repairs, renovations, and improvements, the Monroeville Mall has become almost unrecognizable. And about three years ago the last remaining relic, a small footbridge featured in the film, was dismantled and moved to the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

“The prices were sky high, and that was fair, because these guys are very good sculptors,” Mr. Stavrakis said. “Then it sort of ‘dawned’ on me, so to speak, that I should do it myself because I knew George, and it was sort of a farewell from me, personally.”

Time was not his friend. Mr. Stavrakis works full time selling cigars at Allegheny Smoke Works in Blawnox. He also serves as chief creative officer for Pittsburgh’s Cryptic Pictures film production company.

“My days there are 10 hours long, so when I came home, I sculpted until 3, 4 in the morning, then I passed out, got up and did it again,” he said, laughing.

He forced himself to take a week off now and then, to gain artistic perspective: “If you give yourself a little distance, you can see where you’re going sort of off.”

He began the project around late January and worried he wouldn’t be able to finish it in time for “Living Dead Weekend.” There is a sister event in Evans City each October, but Mr. Stavrakis wanted to have the bust ready for Monroeville, where it will be on permanent display.