National Sculptors' Guild PROJECTS and PLACEMENTS, JK Designs & NSG placing Significant Art Statements since 1992

Inspiration Plaza Little Rock

6/27/2024

0 Comments

We were in Little Rock this week to place the bronze and stainless steel sculptures by @dennyhaskew and @markleichliter at Inspiration Plaza to cap off this project. learn more about this project on our website https://www.nationalsculptorsguild.com/project-feed/inspiration-plaza-little-rock #LinkInBio “Inspiration Plaza” is a multifaceted art placement and public space designed by John Kinkade for the Riverfront Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. Art Elements by Denny Haskew and Mark Leichliter, Site development by the Little Rock Parks & Recreation, commissioned through the Sculpture at the River Market. At the center of a 16-foot circle of dark stone pavers is Denny Haskew’s “I Am You”, at 14-feet tall, this is the largest self supported cast bronze canopy to date. It is an uplifting piece about human connection. The inside portion of the drapery is covered in 22-kt gold leaf. The sculpture is based on 3 foot basalt columns. A buff-colored pathway curves out from the center to house four 7-foot tall basalt columns capped with stainless steel light diffusers designed and fabricated by Mark Leichliter. Each column has a single polished side facing the center of the walkway and engraved with a variety of inspirational verse, from classic Greek, to Bob Marley. From the overall design one may see a bow-tie; our inspiration for the plaza came from a special human who has transformed the River Front Park, #IYKYK The National Sculptors’ Guild believes this placement, central to the River Front Park, will draw and unite the community together and are proud to be part of it. We are grateful for everyone involved in this placement, Dean Kumpuris, Robert Vogel, Sculpture at the River Market, John Kinkade, Denny Haskew, Mark Leichliter, Jackie Collins and the @lrparksrec crew, Coverall Stone, Tribble Stone Company, Co Waterjet Company, Art Castings of Colorado, Shippers’ Supply Custom Pack, Landstar Logistics #SculptureIsATeamSport #NationalSculptorsGuild #JKdesignsInc #FineArtConsultation #HomeDecor #CorporateCollections #ArtInPublicPlaces #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #ConnectingPeopleWithArt #Since1992

Inspiration Plaza by the National Sculptors' Guild, Denny Haskew, John Kinkade, Mark Leichliter

Update 6/27/2024: We were in Little Rock this week to place the bronze and stainless steel sculptures by @dennyhaskew and @markleichliter at Inspiration Plaza to cap off this project.

learn more about this project on our website https://www.nationalsculptorsguild.com/project-feed/inspiration-plaza-little-rock #LinkInBio

“Inspiration Plaza” is a multifaceted art placement and public space designed by John Kinkade for the Riverfront Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. Art Elements by Denny Haskew and Mark Leichliter, Site development by the Little Rock Parks & Recreation, commissioned through the Sculpture at the River Market.

At the center of a 16-foot circle of dark stone pavers is Denny Haskew’s “I Am You”, at 14-feet tall, this is the largest self supported cast bronze canopy to date. It is an uplifting piece about human connection. The inside portion of the drapery is covered in 22-kt gold leaf. The sculpture is based on 3 foot basalt columns.

A buff-colored pathway curves out from the center to house four 7-foot tall basalt columns capped with stainless steel light diffusers designed and fabricated by Mark Leichliter. Each column has a single polished side facing the center of the walkway and engraved with a variety of inspirational verse, from classic Greek, to Bob Marley.

From the overall design one may see a bow-tie; our inspiration for the plaza came from a special human who has transformed the River Front Park, #IYKYK

The National Sculptors’ Guild believes this placement, central to the River Front Park, will draw and unite the community together and are proud to be part of it.

We are grateful for everyone involved in this placement, Dean Kumpuris, Robert Vogel, Sculpture at the River Market, John Kinkade, Denny Haskew, Mark Leichliter, Jackie Collins and the @lrparksrec crew, Coverall Stone, Tribble Stone Company, Co Waterjet Company, Art Castings of Colorado, Shippers’ Supply Custom Pack, Landstar Logistics #SculptureIsATeamSport

#NationalSculptorsGuild #JKdesignsInc #FineArtConsultation #HomeDecor #CorporateCollections #ArtInPublicPlaces #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #ConnectingPeopleWithArt #Since1992

Update 6/3/2024: It took all of the month of May to install the 8+ tons of stone pavers for Inspiration Plaza. It looks terrific. Can you see the bow-tie?? Our inspiration came from a special human who has transformed the River Front Park, #IYKYK

The columns will be engraved next, followed by the installation of the sculptures the end of June. We look forward to sharing those images!

Update 4/17/2024: The National Sculptors’ Guild is on-site to oversee the installation of several elements for “Inspiration Plaza” a multifaceted art placement and public space designed by John Kinkade for Riverfront Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. It’s exciting to see over a years’ worth of work come together.

And that’s a wrap for now… 8.5 tons of basalt from Coverall Stone Inc. is in place. Next up will be 8 tons of pavers from Tribble Stone followed by engraving and another crane date to place the bronze and stainless steel sculptures by D enny Haskew and Mark Leichliter. We can’t wait!

Deep thanks to Jackie Collins & the Little Rock Parks and Rec team!

“Inspiration Plaza” Designed by John Kinkade, Art Elements by Denny Haskew and Mark Leichliter, Site Development by the Little Rock Parks & Recreation, commissioned through the Sculpture at the River Market, special thanks to Colorado Waterjet Company, Art Castings of Colorado, Shippers' Supply Custom Pack, Landstar, Coverall Stone, and Tribble Stone Company

Update 3/28/24: It may not look like much yet, but this is where public art starts, the foundation is where art meets site and becomes a beacon to gather. You can already see the design coming together. The stainless-steel braces, electrical conduit and concrete footing/pad are in and things are starting to taking shape in Little Rock. We're planning our trip to install the columns after this has properly cured! #GettingCloser

Update 10/18/2023: We’ve loaded up this morning and have #SculptureOnTheMove to #LittleRock AR. This truck has 5 sculptures, 2 bases, and a bunch of stainless steel structures for installation and footings. But wait, there’s more; we’ll have another two truck loads lined up for one of these projects.

Special thanks to Denny Haskew, Mark Leichliter, Art Castings of Colorado, and Shippers' Supply Custom Pack for help with creating, packing and loading; and Landstar Trucking for getting our artwork to its new home where Sculpture at the River Market will receive it and Little Rock Parks & Recreation will help us install. #SculptureIsATeamSport

We’ve loaded up this morning and have #SculptureOnTheMove to #LittleRock AR. This truck has 5 sculptures, 2 bases, and a bunch of stainless steel structures for installation and footings. But wait, there’s more; we’ll have another two truck loads lined up for one of these projects.
Keep up with all our projects here: https://www.nationalsculptorsguild.com/public-art.html
We are excited to get these sculptures in place and will send updates as they develop.
Special thanks to Denny Haskew @markleichliter Art Castings of Colorado and Shippers' Supply Custom Pack for help with creating, packing and loading and Landstar Trucking for getting our artwork to its new home where Sculpture at the River Market will receive it and Little Rock Parks & Recreation will help us install. #SculptureIsATeamSport
#NationalSculptorsGuild #DennyHaskew #WayneSalge #CastBronze #MarkLeichliter #FabricatedStainlessSteel #RobertKwetche #CarvedStone #CustomSiteDesign #JKDesignsInc #ArtInPublicPlaces #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #Since1992 #NSG #FineArtSculpture

Update All Summer, into Fall, we've been at work on this multifaceted placement, craning out the bronze sculpture from the NSG Sculpture Garden to the foundry, picking out the stone pavers at Tribble Stone, checking on the basalt columns in Seattle, making templates for the sculpture and the columns, reworking the structural stainless steel undercarriage of the sculpture to fit the new engineering requirements, creating structures for the stone. Strategizing on the logistics of material gathering, packing, loading, shipping and installation timing. It's complex, but we know this plaza will be striking in the end and cannot wait to see the lights that first evening by the river in Little Rock.

Update 9/22/2023: All Summer, into Fall, we've been at work on this multifaceted placement, craning out the bronze sculpture from the NSG Sculpture Garden to the foundry, picking out the stone pavers at Tribble Stone, checking on the basalt columns in Seattle, making templates for the sculpture and the columns, reworking the structural stainless steel undercarriage of the sculpture to fit the new engineering requirements, creating structures for the stone. Strategizing on the logistics of material gathering, packing, loading, shipping and installation timing. It's complex, but we know this plaza will be striking in the end and cannot wait to see the lights that first evening by the river in Little Rock.

6/20/23: The National Sculptors' Guild were contracted by Sculpture at the River Market to create

6/20/23: The National Sculptors' Guild were contracted by Sculpture at the River Market to create "Inspiration Plaza" designed by John Kinkade for Little Rock, Arkansas.

A 16-foot circle of dark stone pavers, at the center of the plaza will be the bronze sculpture "I Am You", by Denny Haskew. At 14-feet tall, this is the largest self supported cast bronze canopy to date. It is an uplifting piece about human connection. The inside portion of the drapery is covered in 22-kt gold leaf. The sculpture will be based on 3.5-foot basalt columns uplit by embedded light fixtures.

A buff colored paver pathway will curve away from the center circle. These pavers will match the Dakota sandstone used near the site. On each end of the curved walkway will be four 7-foot tall basalt columns capped with stainless steel light diffusers that are patinaed gold designed and fabricated by Mark Leichliter. The caps will range in height from 24” to 32”. Each cap will be customized to fit the irregular basalt columns. The columns will be natural on all sides except for the side facing the center of the walkway which will be polished. The polished sides will be engraved with inspirational verse. One column will have two polished sides to have the name of the plaza, the date, the donor’s names and the artists/designer’s names engraved on. Each of the polished surfaces will be uplit by a light fixture that is embedded into the stone pavement.

The rest of the plaza will include 24” x 12” pavers that are natural on top and bottom, and sawn sides. Six trees will be planted in the two ellipse landscape areas. Six approx. 2-foot cube donor benches can optionally be added in a semi-circle lining the grass areas of the center plaza to allow a space to sit and contemplate the sculpture.

We believe this placement, central to the River Front Park, will draw and unite the community together and are proud to be part of it.

0 Comments

City of Gladstone's Monarch Girl by Joe Norman

6/27/2024

0 Comments

The Guild had two installations on the same day this week. Here’s the installation by part of our team in Gladstone, Missouri placing Joe Norman’s “Monarch Girl” at Oak Grove Park, where the city’s Theatre in the Park is annually held. Inspired by a photo of his daughter during a camping trip several years ago, Joe states, “That photo reminds me of the importance of what we pass on to the next generation. I combined that image with the Monarch Butterfly because it is an example of interdependence. I believe that is a critical value to teach our descendants and also one that allows Monarchs to migrate through North America. I have yet to see one fly in anything resembling a straight line, yet somehow they move through habitat for thousands of miles taking several generations to complete. But, it is not a one-way relationship: we depend on them as well to pollinate plants and farmland along the way.“ We had a sunny day to install, but it rained for the ribbon cutting. That did not deter the Arts and City Councils from gathering. This community is so supportive and enthusiastic about the arts, we loved every phase of this project. We can’t wait for another opportunity to work with Gladstone. Special thanks to @gladstonemissouri @thetimecollector1 @wilkersoncrane @roundtheclocklogistics See the rest of the process: https://www.nationalsculptorsguild.com/project-feed/city-of-gladstones-monarch-girl-by-joe-norman #JoeNorman #MonarchGirl #NationalSculptorsGuild #OakGrovePark #GladstoneMO #AIPP #JKdesignsInc #FineArtConsultation #HomeDecor #CorporateCollections #ArtInPublicPlaces #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #ConnectingPeopleWithArt #Since1992

Monarch Girl by Joe Norman and the National Sculptors' Guild

The Guild had two installations on the same day this week. Here’s the installation by part of our team in Gladstone, Missouri placing Joe Norman’s “Monarch Girl” at Oak Grove Park, where the city’s Theatre in the Park is annually held.

Inspired by a photo of his daughter during a camping trip several years ago, Joe states, “That photo reminds me of the importance of what we pass on to the next generation.

I combined that image with the Monarch Butterfly because it is an example of interdependence. I believe that is a critical value to teach our descendants and also one that allows Monarchs to migrate through North America. I have yet to see one fly in anything resembling a straight line, yet somehow they move through habitat for thousands of miles taking several generations to complete. But, it is not a one-way relationship: we depend on them as well to pollinate plants and farmland along the way.“

We had a sunny day to install, but it rained for the ribbon cutting. That did not deter the Arts and City Councils from gathering. This community is so supportive and enthusiastic about the arts, we loved every phase of this project and can’t wait for another opportunity to work with Gladstone.

Special thanks to the City of Gladstone, Holly Hayden, Tribble Stone, Wilkerson Crane and Round the Clock Logistics.

See a Video of this placement

Spot on match to the agreed upon sample.

Update 6/12/2024: Joe has been applying color to Monarch Girl the last few weeks. Since only part of the sculpture is painted to create a contrast with the stainless steel, a thorough masking of the leaping girl elements happens first, then undercoating, then a series of coats in various hues to create a rich finish on the butterfly parts.

The variation of oranges, from bright yellow-oranges to darker red-oranges, will enhance the depth of elements, particularly in the natural site. Once this cures, a series of clear-coat layers are applied, and we're really close to getting Monarch Girl installed.

Update 6/12/2024: Joe has been applying color the last few weeks, since only part of the sculpture is painted to create a contrast with the stainless steel, a thorough masking of the leaping girl elements happens first, then undercoating, then a series of coats in various hues to create a rich finish on the butterfly parts. The variation of oranges, from yellow-orange to red-orange, will enhance the depth of elements, particularly in the natural site. Once this cures, a series of clear-coat layers are applied, and we're really close to getting Monarch Girl installed.

Update 6/7/2024: We dropped off the template and checked out the stone this morning, and look how much nature is loving this sculpture - two butterfly visited us while we reviewed the installation checklist.

Update 5/27/2024: The sculpture is coming along! Assembly and welding is almost done. What a treat to get to see a sculpture unfold. We can't wait to share the color phase!

Update 5/8/2024: We're in the cocoon phase on this project, and getting excited to see what emerges.

The components are cut and artist Joe Norman is preparing them for welding (grinding the edges smooth, cleaning the surfaces and giving them texture to help the paint adhere, etc)

5/8/2024: We're in the cocoon phase on this project, and getting excited to see what it will become.

The components are cut and artist Joe Norman is preparing them for welding (grinding the edges smooth, cleaning the surfaces and giving them texture to help the paint adhere, etc)

1/17/2024: Joe Norman and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected by the City of Gladstone, Missouri to place a sculpture in their Oak Grove Park. We are excited to bring a bright sculpture to this vibrant spot where the city's Theatre in the Park is annually held. The sculpture will be placed just before the first show of the summer.

The sculpture we proposed is Monarch Girl, which depicts a girl jumping from one direction and a Monarch Butterfly from the other. Combining the natural beauty of Oak Grove Park with the activities that the park provides makes the sculpture "Monarch Girl" ideal for this site. A child gleefully leaps into action from one point of view while a colorful monarch butterfly in flight appears from another angle. One's change in perspective makes the imagery more or less clear, abstract in-between. The interactive quality of this piece will make it of interest to those who see it regularly as much as it will for someone who encounters it once.

Joe Norman and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected by the City of Gladstone, Missouri to place a sculpture in their Oak Grove Park. We are excited to bring a bright sculpture to this vibrant spot where the city's Theatre in the Park is annually held. The sculpture will be placed just before the first show of the summer. The sculpture we proposed is Monarch Girl, which depicts a girl jumping from one direction and a Monarch Butterfly from the other. Combining the natural beauty of Oak Grove Park with the activities that the park provides makes the sculpture

Fabricated from stainless-steel with two sides painted in a vibrant epoxy paint, a natural sandstone base will make the overall scale 8ft x 5.5ft x 5ft.

Inspired by a photo of his daughter during a camping trip several years ago, Joe states, "That photo reminds me of the importance of what we pass on to the next generation.

I combined that image with the Monarch Butterfly because it is an example of interdependence. I believe that is a critical value to teach our descendants and also one that allows Monarchs to migrate through North America. I have yet to see one fly in anything resembling a straight line, yet somehow they move through habitat for thousands of miles taking several generations to complete. But, it is not a one-way relationship: we depend on them as well to pollinate plants and farmland along the way. "

0 Comments

Milking Time Celebrates the History of Dairy Valley

6/14/2024

0 Comments

Last night the City of Cerritos' council members approved the art selection committee's recommendation to proceed with our proposal "Milking Time" by Jane DeDecker. The sculpture will be enlarged to 110% life-size be DeDecker, cast in bronze, and placed in Cerritos, California in Summer of 2025 at a site to be determined.

To help celebrate the history of Dairy Valley (now Cerritos),

To help celebrate the history of Dairy Valley (now Cerritos), "Milking Time" by Jane DeDecker pays tribute to the area dairy farmers.

On One Side:
A farmer sits on a stool to milk a grazing cow as a young girl holds out a bowl to get some milk for her cat that is rubbing against her leg, probably purring.

The Other Side:
A young boy holds a feed bag and sprinkles out feed to the dairy cow. The feedbag can include a logo from Dairy Valley to make the piece tie in even future to Cerritos' history.

Inspiration for the sculpture "Milking Time" was drawn both by the history of Cerritos/Dairy Valley as well as the artist's experience and her family roots in Iowa.

We wished to honor the dairy farmers of Dairy Valley in their fortitude and family values, they established a space for their community to grow and prosper for generations. The bronze sculpture depicts a farmer's family taking on the task of milking one of their cows. The figures are sculpted in a manner that allows the viewer to insert their history and narrative to the piece.

The scene on one side of the cow shows a man, (could be a farm hand, or a father or grandfather) he is doing the actual milking but his attention is drawn to a young girl (daughter or granddaughter) who has come in with a bowl to see if she can get some fresh milk for the cat that is rubbing at her heels.

On the other side of the cow, a young person, (could be a field hand, or son/grandson) is seen spreading grain or pelleted feed from a bag for the cow to eat while being milked to keep her calm and happy during the process.

Together the chore gets accomplished until the next milking later in the day.

Last night the City of Cerritos' council members approved the art selection committee's recommendation to proceed with our proposal

The Cat will be finished in black and white with pink nose.
The Cow will be finished in black and white with pink udders.
The three figures, stool, bucket and feed bag will be finished in a traditional brown.

0 Comments

Jane DeDecker to commemorate Dr. Elaine Bartgis

6/3/2024

0 Comments

The University of Central Oklahoma in conjunction with the City of Edmond have commissioned Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Edmond's first female police officer. Dr. Elaine Bartgis started as a student at Central State University in 1970 majoring in nursing, then switched to criminal justice. She started as a dispatcher at the Edmond Police Department while still studying at CSU. Her connections to the University and City of Edmond make Dr. Bartgis an important figure for the community to honor.

Her accolades and influences are vast, Dr. Bartgis worked for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) in the 1980's, completed her PhD in 1994, and was hired as a faculty member for criminal justice at UCO in 2004. She was instrumental in forming the School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) serving as the first Assistant Director of the SCJ and Assistant Dean in the College of Liberal Arts. Additionally, she was the creator of the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Master's Program at UCO. Dr. Bartis retired from UCO in 2013, although she remained as an adjunct post retirement. Clearly a driven person who endlessly contributed to the community.

Jane will capture this accomplished individual during her time with the Edmond police, circa 1970's. Her pose will provide a sense of determination and forward thinking, always looking to improve the criminal justice system. The sculpture will be cast in bronze and placed at the University in 2025. Initial clay sketch shown below.

Historic photograph of Edmond, Oklahoma's first female police officer, Dr. Elaine Bartgis. Her connections to the University and City of Edmond make Dr. Bartgis an important figure for the community to honor.

Dr. Elaine Bartgis during her early days working with the Edmond Police Department in the 1970's.

0 Comments

Inspiration Plaza Little Rock

City of Gladstone's Monarch Girl by Joe Norman

Milking Time Celebrates the History of Dairy Valley

Jane DeDecker to commemorate Dr. Elaine Bartgis

JK Design/NSG

Archives

Categories