CHICAGO (CBS) — A haunting tribute to young lives lost to gun violence was on display on the Gold Coast.

Mary Kay Mace got the first look at a piece of art that represents her daughter Ryanne, who was one of five Northern Illinois University students shot and killed inside a lecture hall in February 2008.

“This is the first time I’ve seen it. It’s a little jarring. They look like real people when you walk up from behind. When you turn around and get to the front side of them and you don’t see a face, it’s a bit jarring,” she said.

The statue of Ryanne Mace was one of eight erected on display outside St. James Cathedral in Chicago. Each represents a life lost to gun violence.

“It’s extremely powerful and moving traveling art display that honors the lives of people lost to gun violence,” said Colleen Daley, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. “This is for every victim and because it’s so jarring and powerful, we hope people go online, sign the petition and get involved and take some sort of action.”