More than half a century after he became the first American to orbit Earth, John Glen is still an inspiration to many, including Glenside artist Zenos Frudakis, writes Julie Carr Smyth for The Washington Post.

The walls of Frudakis’ studio are plastered with photos of Glenn, who died last December aged 95.

The artist is already making clay models for what will become a full-size sculpture of the beloved astronaut and senator.

In his work on the sculpture, Frudakis has connected with Adam Sackowitz, a graduate student from New York who is pursuing a sculpture, portrait, and other reminders of Glenn.

Frudakis is well-known for his sculptures. His work can be found across the country and abroad.

This includes a bust of Martin Luther King Jr. displayed at the U.S. embassy in South Africa smuggled in by U.S. diplomats during apartheid.

“They snuck it over in diplomatic pouch because it was the only way they were going to get it into the country,” remembered Frudakis during an interview with 6ABC, “then they told me to be there for the unveiling and if I got arrested they would try to get me out of jail.”

Watch the entire segment at 6ABC by clicking here.