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Update 10/12/25 Patina is complete and the sculpture awaits its new home. The site is currently being transformed.
Update 10/10/25: With the metal work complete, the final stage is the patina. Multiple layers are painted on the heated bronze to develop depth and richness, the figures in a more traditional french brown, the animals in graphic black and white acrylics.
Update 9/19/25: August has made huge progress with the metalwork. Each welded section requires artful chasing to match Jane's surface to the point that upon completion the panels are invisible. This technique takes years to master.
Update 7/22/25: The multiple panels of cast bronze has been dropped off at the studio's metal shop from Madd Castings foundry. Once welded together and chased together this big metal puzzle becomes "Milking Time, A Tribute to Dairy Valley", soon to be enjoyed by the Cerritos, California community.
Update 5/15/25: The surface of the sculpted clay is coated with several layers of rubber, capturing all the details Jane sculpted, this is the mother mold (created from the original). This is followed by a hard plaster to keep the shape of the flexible mold. As you can see here, this large sculpture had lots of panels! This project takes several full days of hard work from the whole crew. #SculptureIsATeamSport
Update 5/8/25: Completed in clay, the approved enlargement is sectioned off for the mold-making process. Shims and tabs are added so that the flexible mold panels can come apart, and lock back in place for wax pouring.
Update 4/15/25: Jane has completed beautiful surface work and detailed treatment to the faces. The clay enlargement has been submitted for approval.
Update 3/15/25: Spring has sprung and the sculpture is growing refinement. The characters personalities start shining through, including the cow and dog.
Update 11/15/24: The forms are continuing to take shape, and soon Jane's textural surface and detail work will begin.
Update 9/12/24: The enlargement begins. Using the maquette for reference, Jane has created an armature with metal and foam to start laying pounds of clay on.
6/14/24: 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.
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.  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.
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Update 6/10/25: This installation trip finally brought the success we’d been working toward. We were able to set the granite walls, finish the concrete, clean up the site, and leave with the entire tribute plaza fully in place.
Each granite segment had to be moved several times during installation. We relied on our favorite crane partner, Capital Crane Services, whose team has the finesse required for such precise placements. The process was meticulous: we first set each section horizontally on dunnage, then lifted it vertically—upside down—against the trailer bed. This position allowed us to epoxy the stainless steel channel to the base. Once set, the piece was lowered back onto the dunnage, re-rigged, brought upright, and finally lifted into its permanent position. Every move demanded expert rigging and careful balancing of each 2,000-pound granite panel, with close attention to protecting every edge from damage. The final five walls took the entire day. We returned the next morning to clean the stone, removing any marks picked up during its journey from shipping to installation. Advanced Concrete Specialists followed with hand-troweled concrete around the channel legs, completing the last step of this multifaceted plaza honoring the L.A. Sheriff and Fire Departments. We’re always proud to contribute to tributes that honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who protect their communities.
Update 5/20/25: Most projects hit a hiccup now and then—this one seems to have a chronic case of them. Our plan to install the walls on this trip came to an abrupt halt when the stone arrived from the quarry with holes drilled too small for our stainless steel channels. We were able to pivot quickly. Concrete Coring Company, a local core driller, came on site and tackled the first three sections with us. By the end of the day, though, because you can't rush stone work, five wall panels still needed correction. We relocated the remaining pieces to the city yard so drilling can be completed there, and our Colorado crew (NSG and The New Venetian) will be making one more trip.
Update 2/20/2025: If you are in the LA area, we hope you'll attend the dedication next week, February 26th at 10am.
"I wish to take this time to thank everyone who has made the Cerritos Tribute to Public Safety a success. We could not have created this memorial plaza without every member of our team. The professionalism, expertise, and dedication to quality that each individual brings are integral to every aspect of the project. From the subgrade work that will remain unseen, to the hand-painted engravings on the stone and the final wax application on the bronze, we rely on our team to bring our designs to life exactly as they were envisioned. We are incredibly proud to present this beautiful space, a testament to the combined efforts of all involved. It stands as a tribute to those who uphold safety within our communities—an exceptional group of individuals who are forever deserving of our admiration and gratitude.
Our gratitude is also extended to the City of Cerritos for the opportunity to create this tribute plaza for its community. Several city staff and council members have supported our efforts to bring this design to life. Having worked with the City of Cerritos for over 25 years, placing dozens of sculptures within the city’s impressive public art program, we consider this project one of our most significant. It is an honor to commemorate and highlight the LA County Sheriff and Fire Departments, as well as to memorialize the fallen detectives and K-9 Officer Jack. We are equally honored to create a space to remember those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The final elements of our design are set to be installed in the coming weeks. We hope that everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to return to this space once it is complete and find moments of respite and remembrance whenever they are needed. To bring this plaza to fruition, we have collaborated with a team spanning coast to coast. The stone elements were quarried and executed in Vermont; the design, artwork, and coordination were led from Colorado; and the landscape, hardscape, and installation were carried out by a skilled team from California. A collaborative process always leads to a grander statement, and this plaza is a testament to that." - Alyson Kinkade, Assistant Director, National Sculptors' Guild As the Guild's Director, John Kinkade, always says, 'Sculpture is a Team Sport.' We are especially proud of this team for their collaboration and dedication in bringing this project to life...
Update 2/18/2025: Last week's rain really helped to establish the new sod and our landscaping team AW Professional Gardening and Landscaping were able to give the sod a mow, install the lighting fixtures and plant the beds, including the Iceland Roses in the 9/11 Memorial. This greenery adds so much to the overall design for the upcoming dedication.
Update 2/14/2025: After two days rain finally stopped enough to remove the plastic and let the site dry off before our landscaping team AW Professional Gardening and Landscaping plants and installs the light fixtures next week. The bronze figures are veiled until the dedication. A bit austere for now.
Update 2/12/2025: We've just installed the granite memorials (in the rain). They look great and the structure of the design is really developing with this addition. Here are a few images from the installation. Each block weighs approximately 700lbs. Special thanks to our team of the day: Ricky and crew from Advanced Aquatics Technology, Anthony from Capital Crane Services, Raffaele and Antonio from The New Venetian, and Alyson from the National Sculptors' Guild.
Update 1/27/2025: Today the bronze sculptures by Gary Alsum are being installed. Our team includes Advanced Aquatics Technology, Capital Crane Services and John Kinkade from the National Sculptors' Guild.)
Update 1/20/24: Meanwhile, in Vermont, our second order of granite memorials and walls are being fabricated using the age-old process of pulling huge blocks from the quarry, rough cutting, followed by precision shaping to scale, a 7-step polishing series, engraving then hand painting the engraved lettering. Pictured is one of the memorials ready to crate and send to California. Thank you Rock of Ages and The New Venetian for putting together a beautiful product in record time.
Update 11/27/24: AW Professional Gardening and Landscaping uncovered many surprises when hand-digging out the tree wells. The selected trees are going to look great once planted, but we need more space for their roots before that can happen.
Update 10/31/2024: The structural footings for the artwork and concrete plaza/walkways are in. Tree grates have been placed as well. Thanks Advanced Concrete Specialists! Next our landscaping team from AW Professional Gardening and Landscaping will get some time on the site.
Update 9/4/24: Gary Alsum's sculptures have been finished with a deep golden patina at Bronze Services of Loveland, They look incredible and ready to ship to California once crated at Shipper's Supply Custom Pack.
Update 6/24/2024: The site is taking shape! Forms have been constructed by Advanced Concrete Specialists to prepare for concrete to go in. It's very exciting to see this progress on something we've been planning for so long!
Update 5/17/2024: We've hit a MAJOR roadblock - one the Guild has not experienced in over 30 years of creating public art placements, our stone order was never started despite ordering with money-down in June 2022. We've been in regular communications with this company, and they repetitively assured us of progression and timeline. It was set to ship this week, and we just learned from a new person taking over after a bankruptcy, the first we heard of anything. The new management reviewed the order number and it was never started and we're likely not getting our money back since they didn't even notify us of the bankruptcy. We feel bamboozled from a company we've had success with in the past on multiple other orders since 2008. The walls were to be shipped in the next week after in-person approval, and installed before the end of March. We've already broken ground, the walls were to go in next, before any other site work. Brainstorming to follow...
Update 3/20/2024: Our Landscape Construction Plans are being reviewed, once signed off we can break ground! Several requests from the city have been incorporated in a change order, the overall design remains true to our initial vision for the memorial plaza.
Update 2/28/2024: Bronze Services Foundry has done a phenomenal job finishing the bronze, Gary Alsum's sculptures are ready for patina and we're one step closer to seeing these placed at the City of Cerritos, California later this year.
Update 8/23/2023: Nothing to lose your head about, it’s just moving day to the mold-maker. The high temps made us wait a few extra days to transport the clay.
Gary Alsum's Special Enforcement Bureau sculpture for our Tribute to Public Safety Plaza has entered the next stage of creating the master mold, then will continue on with the lost-wax process of cast bronze. 
Update 8/4/2023:
Gary Alsum's Special Enforcement Bureau sculpture for our Tribute to Public Safety Plaza has been completed in clay and approved by the city. It's on it's next stage of creating the master mold, then will continue on with the lost-wax process of cast bronze. The commissioners were particularly pleased by the amount of detail Gary has captured in the uniforms and characteristics of the officers. The K9 depicted is "Jack" a revered Belgian Malinois that was lost in the line of duty in 2022. "K9 Jack saved numerous lives and courageously protected members of the Bureau during countless tactical operations." -LA Sheriff Robert Luna Three of Gary's bronze monuments are part of a larger composition that our design team developed. The Tribute to First Responders plaza includes a Department Memorial and 9/11 Memorial and components that honor today's officers. We are always honored to be part of honoring first responders, and are really looking forward to seeing this project realized for the dedicated department members. 
Update 4/3/2023: We're continuing to work with the city to approve all the engravings.
This project has more language included than most of our projects, we are including the Sheriff's Department Motto, the Fire Department's Motto, A poem for reflection on the 9/11 memorial and the names of fallen detectives on the Sheriff's memorial. The title and insignia will also be included. That's a lot of letters to triple check before it's literally set in stone!
Update 2/1/2023: The recently approved enlargement of the Female Deputy Officer has begun the casting process. Images show wax has been pulled from the mold, ready to transform into bronze. She's already looking great!
 Back to the Drawing Board
Update 1/11/2023: It has been decided by the City that the K-9 unit should memorialize the community's beloved fallen officer, K-9 Jack, and additional tactical gear to be worn by the K-9 handler. New source reference images are being sent to help artist Gary Alsum rework the sculpture. This change adds a few more months to the schedule, but we are pleased to be able to honor such an important part of the Sheriff's department.
K-9 Jack was a revered Belgian Malinois that was lost in the line of duty in 2022. "K9 Jack saved numerous lives and courageously protected members of the Bureau during countless tactical operations." -LA Sheriff Robert Luna 
Update: 1/5/2023
Things are progressing on the Tribute to Public Safety project for the City of Cerritos. Gary Alsum's fire fighter casting is nearing completion at Bronze Services Foundry. Not to worry, he'll get that helmet on. Certain elements on the sculpture have been customized to match LA County badges and gear. This sculpture just needs that helmet to be welded and metal chased and its ready for patina.. 
Update 12/11/2022: We've drawn up the landscape plans with help from Diaz Landscape Architecture so that site work can soon commence.
As we designed, the overall 51-ft x 54-ft site will include: Three Bronze Monuments; 9/11 Memorial; Department Memorial. 7-ft x 16-ft Tribute Wall with engraving of Plaza Title, City Insignia, Department Badges and quotation; 4-ft x 12-ft East Wall with two engraved quotations; Concrete Plaza; Lights; Flag Pole, White Roses. Decompressed Granite area with Bosque of Trees.
Update 5/26/2022:
The Hardscape Design Elements have been refined and the stone is ordered. Lettering will be etched into several tons of granite for this placement.  NSG Director John Kinkade creating the model to be presented to the city
2/18/2022: You may not realize, but monumental placements start small. On this one, we went REAL SMALL. John created a model of the site with our proposed layouts for the city to choose from.
We've just been approved on our design for the City of Cerritos' First Responders Plaza which will be located in front of the Sheriff's Department. Our design team is transforming the 2500 sq ft lawn into an artful gathering space that honors first responders. Three monumental bronze sculptures by NSG's Gary Alsum will be the focal point of our Tribute to Public Safety. Granite walls will be adorned by quotes and insignia. A memorial will be placed to pay tribute to the city's fallen officers. And a Bosque of Trees forms a nurturing space to house the new 9/11 memorial. The entire site becomes a piece of art. We are really pleased with the design and how this will enhance the community. We are looking forward to sharing the process here, stay tuned. Update 8/30/2024: Site work for the Armed Forces Memorial commissioned by the City of Paramount has been underway by our team in California, Advanced Aquatics. They have done a superb job forming and pouring the 15-ft diameter foundation for the granite Seals to lay on. Meanwhile, Clark Memorials in Alabama has completed the bronze elements. This memorial has involved individuals and companies from across the nation; Colorado, Washington, Alabama, and California; how fitting for a space that honors those who serve and remembers those who have sacrificed all for our country. 
Update 7/10/2024: The Armed Forces Memorial is making big progress, the stone for the circular plaza has been cut, finished and etched with the Armed Forces Seals. Special thanks to Coverall Stone for making this portion happen.
You can see from our conceptual approach, this is a major part of the Armed Forces Memorial. This placement is next to the Veteran's Memorial Plaza by NSG charter member Mark Leichliter that we placed in 2007, and the soldier will be facing the American Flag that is set between the two memorials. Mark helped us again with this project providing the vector graphics for the seals that were etched into the stone.
 The City of Cerritos, California has selected Denny Haskew's "Moulding Our Future" to add to their public art collection. The bronze sculpture captures a simple moment between mother and child. A moment all may identify with, as a parent looking onward in strength and resolve that all their efforts will go toward making their child's life as good possible. As the child, excitedly taking in every new bit of the world uninhibited by the worries mom may have, protected in her embrace.
 Denny Haskew's Strength of the Maker has been installed in the City of Cerritos Sculpture Garden. Additional landscaping will enhance the bronze sculpture placement. But it already looks like a good home in our minds. Special thanks to Advanced Aquatics and Capital Crane for the wonderful installation work, and to Shipper's Supply for getting the artwork there safely. Click here to see a video of the installation. Winner of 5 Best of Show Awards; ”Strength of the Maker, right from its title…to the strength shown even in the toes, is a statement on how I view my very inner belief.” -DH Only one casting remains in the limited edition of 21. Click here to purchase. Other prominent placements of the edition include: National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian Institution in DC; the Gilcrease Museum, OK; the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA; and the Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum, Bastian, VA; Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, TX; District Courthouse, Flagstaff, AZ; City of Grand Junction, CO; Canyon City, CO; and major private collections throughout the US.  The family has requested we share this event with the artworld, please attend if you are able. John will be speaking on behalf of the National Sculptors' Guild and Columbine Gallery. Celebration of Life for Carol Gold January 28, 2023, 11 a.m. at the Pavilion in Fairfax, California The Pavilion is located at: 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax CA 94930  Carol Gold working on "Time" in 2010 The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made in Carol’s honor to Democracy Now! KPFA, The Sierra Club, the Marin Land Trust or Planned Parenthood.
click here to read our other posts if you would like to learn more about Carol.  The installation in Paramount, California was picture perfect. Jane DeDecker's "Ratification Flag", a 12-foot commemorative bronze looks incredible in its new home adjacent to the city's Veteran's Memorial Plaza which we designed in 2007. Special thanks to all involved in this project.... the City of Paramount, DeDecker Studio, Madd Castings, Capitol Crane, Martino and Luth and Tribble Stone. Inspired by the Suffrage Movement flag of the early 1900's, we proposed the flag be placed singularly as a monolithic form sculpted in bronze. This sculpture honors the 100 year commemoration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment: Women's right to vote. It also represents the present day progress, and serves as a reminder of the continued efforts being made toward equality. This commemorative placement honoring women's rights is particularly fitting for the City of Paramount as they celebrate its 2020 election of an all-female City Council, only the 5th time in the state of California. #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #PublicArt #JaneDeDecker #RatificationFlag #ParamountCA #Bronze #Custom #Monument #FineArt #SculptureIsATeamSport #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #CelebratingThirtyYears  2/15/2022: Things are really getting exciting now! The metal has been poured and chased and the patina is going on, Patina day fell on Susan B. Anthony's birthday!! We couldn't have picked a more appropriate date. Below is Jane with the 12-ft bronze, prepping and applying the patina. #VotesForWomen #RatificationFlag #PatinaDay   Update 11/10/2021: The wax panels have been poured for the 12ft flag. Chasing the wax begins to prepare for the next step of the lost wax process. Sprues are added to help guide the metal in an even and thorough flow. A ceramic shell is added in multiple coats surrounding the wax. This hard shell allows for the wax to be melted out (lost wax) leaving a cavity for the molten bronze to be poured into. The metal pour will be done at Madd Castings with more process to follow.   Update 10/25/2021: Jane DeDecker's clay enlargement of the Ratification Flag is under a layer of mold material and foam. It may look strange, now, but this is going to be a magnificent bronze banner in a few months. Jane elected a different material than the plaster she normally uses to back the mother mold because the foam will allow for larger panels that weigh less. Plus, carrying plaster buckets up the ladder 12-ft wasn't something anyone in the studio wanted to do. We're excited the casting process will be underway for this piece that is destined for Paramount, California soon.
 5/25/2021: Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild have been selected to create a Commemorative Sculpture honoring the ratification of the 19th Amendment & Paramount's 2020 election of an all-female City Council for the City of Paramount, California. The 12-ft high bronze sculpture will be placed in Progress Park later this year.
 Wording to be included on the back “In commemoration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 18, 1920 that provided all women of our nation with the right to vote. Upon this Centennial, the City of Paramount celebrates its 2020 election of an all-female City Council, only the fifth such Council in the history of the State of California. The City’s record of inclusiveness dates back to its incorporation in 1957 when Gladys Iliff was elected to the first City Council and named Paramount’s first Vice Mayor. Councilmember Isabel Aguayo Councilmember Laurie Guillen Councilmember Vilma Cuellar Stallings Vice Mayor Brenda Olmos Mayor Peggy Lemons "The best protection any woman can have... is courage." —Elizabeth Cady Stanton, chief philosopher of the woman’s suffrage movement”  Jane in her studio with a replica flag sewn by her sisters. Jane has already begun sculpting the front of the flag as it is part of the composition for the National Women's Suffrage Monument.
Working off of a wax from the mold of the study for the Washington DC Memorial, the maquette gives an idea of how the flag will look. We are suggesting that the 19th Amendment go on the detailed side of the ratification flag and narrative for Paramount go on the other side where there is more room. She has put wording on the model, but on the enlargement the text will be smaller and more contained as detailing will be easier to achieve on the larger piece. The stars will be on only one side of the banner as historically this was how it was created. The narrative for the city will go on the flattest area of the side without stars. We may also want to have a plaque elsewhere on the plaza explaining the significance of the flag and its 36 stars.  Another gorgeous placement in Paramount from today, Mark Leichliter's "Event Horizon" is now part of Progress Park. The 7-foot tall stainless steel sculpture is such a beautiful addition to the city's growing public art collection. Special thanks to all involved in this project.. "The concept behind the sculpture has to do with the theorized existence of a gravitational border around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape. I wondered what it might look like to see something torn apart but not completely consumed by the black hole; what might the remnants look like as they were spun off into space?" #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #PublicArt #MarkLeichliter #EventHorizon #ParamountCA #StainlessSteel #Custom #Monument #FineArt #SculptureIsATeamSport #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #CelebratingThirtyYears  Update 12/15/2021: It's finished in metal!!! Mark Leichliter has been working hard the past few months and "Event Horizon" is nearly ready for placement in Paramount's Progress Park. The 7-foot stainless-steel sculpture will join some of the National Sculptors' Guild's past public placements in the same park. It already looks amazing in the studio. We're looking forward to taking this out to Paramount, California soon to install. Stay tuned. #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #PublicArt #SculptureIsATeamSport #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded  Update 12/1/21: Mark Leichliter's Event Horizon is getting close to completion in metal. Mark has been busy welding and finishing lots of stainless steel.  Event Horizon by Mark Leichliter, National Sculptors' Guild 9/1/2021: We're heading to Paramount, California again soon, the city has just selected Mark Leichliter's Event Horizon for a placement in Paramount's Progress Park. The 7-foot stainless steel sculpture will join some of our past placements in the same park. The installation is planned for later this year. "The concept behind the sculpture has to do with the theorized existence of a gravitational border around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape. I wondered what it might look like to see something torn apart but not completely consumed by the black hole; what might the remnants look like as they were spun off into space?" #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #PublicArt #SculptureIsATeamSport #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded  Proposed placement of Event Horizon by Mark Leichliter, National Sculptors' Guild  Proposed placement of Event Horizon by Mark Leichliter, National Sculptors' Guild  Proposed placement of Event Horizon by Mark Leichliter, National Sculptors' Guild  NSG Public Art Placement 134: Our largest placement by Sharles through the National Sculptors' Guild is "The Amaryllis Fountain" designed for the Civic Plaza of the City of Cerritos, California. Images show various points in the creation of the multifaceted sculpture that featured a central 9ft tall bronze Amaryllis surrounded by Four vignettes of a Swan, Frog, Koi and Turtle accompanied by sculpted water lilies, and shorter stemmed amaryllis, plus natural aquatic plants. Water streams from the center of each flower in the 16-ft diameter composition. All finished in his signature vibrant colors; Sharles never shied away from a bold stroke of color. Artist's Statement: “These last several years I have been fascinated with wildlife and water in the application of my art. My work with the American Endangered Species Foundation has deepened my appreciation for birds, fish and reptiles. I have created baroque-like fountains incorporating these wonderful creatures in as many places as possible. Water is most appropriate for these animals and creates an ambiance that captures the imagination for hours. I have created my fountain pieces so they have multi-functions and can be applied in many ways and combinations. My studies in Central Europe, Rome and England as well as in Japan and Hong Kong, have influenced my style considerable. The classical art of the Baroque, 18th Century Rococo, Renaissance and religious art of Europe and the Orient fascinates me. The antique art of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Central Europe and the Orient intrigue me and affect my work considerable. My studies in Montreal, Boston and New York have deepened my interest and research into the environment and the life it supports. My work is dedicated to dramatizing the plight of wildlife and environmental concerns. My loose impressionistic technique allows me to capture the essence of these creatures in energetic and somewhat startling tableaus filled with images of their haunting beauty. My work is not mainstream wildlife isolated with the animals isolated from their environment or from other wildlife. I aim for a fresh yet mysterious drama, full of enchantment, adventure and a fluid beauty woven with the exotic imagery and lush abundance of prehistoric times. I visualize great roaring waterfalls, volcanic landmasses arising from pounding oceans and rain forests of lost worlds teeming with myriad forms of life all shrouded in vast clouds of mists and rain, invoking seemingly ancient vistas. Butterflies, orchids, giant dragonflies, as well as the exotic tropical birds, parrots and owls interact with turtles, lizards, alligators and fish forming collections that fascinate and delight.” -Sharles Initial conceptual sketches, different iterations that still incorporated the Amaryllis as the focus: Proposed Concept: Amaryllis Fountain The pool for the sculpture is in the shape of a circle. The complete fountain is comprised of a central sculpture element with eight sculptures surrounding it. In all, there are eleven jets of water. The central sculpture is eleven feet high. It is an amaryllis bulb with two leaves and two stem stalks coming out of the crown of the bulb. One of the stems is short with buds on it and the other is tall with three open flowers with stamens. A jet of water flows from the center of each of these flowers into the pool. On the individual compass points of the circle are sculptures of a turtle, a fish, a frog and a swan emerging from lily pads. A water lily flower is placed among the pads for additional interest. Jets of water flow from the flowers towards the center of the pool. On each of the figure’s backs are four-foot high amaryllis bulbs with flower stalks. It appears that they have dislodged them from the shoreline. Maquettes sculpted in wax, cast into bronze and hand painted by the artist shown below: Enlargement and casting process: Sharles studied extensively in Europe and the East Coast of the United States. SHARLES' Public commissions include: “Left Hand of God” for the Atlantic City Courthouse, a bas-relief for the City of Palm Desert, CA, “Moonbeam” for Centaur-West Galleries, Chicago, IL and North Shore Nursing Home, Loveland, CO, “Evolution of Flight” for Continental Airlines, “Angel of Caring” for United Way, “Great American Eagle Fountain” for J.M.J. Corporation, a bas-relief for the Omaha Botanical Gardens, Omaha, NE and a bas-relief for the Loveland Museum and Gallery, Loveland, CO. Other private and corporate commissions include:
"Freedom" by Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild is installed at York Field Sports Complex.  Depicting a dynamic collection of children and a dog at play. This design reflects on the setting and activities of the site; emphasizes positive interaction and speaks to multiple generations with universal appeal. One can either see themselves, a friend or family member in the artwork, and provides great opportunity for photo opportunities. This sculpture speaks to a healthy lifestyle, community connection, and discovery of nature. The five children chase after a Retriever that has snatched one of the kid's mitts as they race to a game or practice. Several children wear baseball caps and uniforms, one carries a bat. The existing trees in the planter provide natural spacing of the care-free running children. There is a balance of ages and genders depicted in the children. These added baseball features will be added in wax prior to casting. "Freedom" exhibits the best of America's pastime, camaraderie, sportsmanship and the pleasures of sun on your face and wind in your hair as you turn for home-plate. This placement shall echo the identity of this culturally rich and pulsating community and become an iconic image for York Field Sports Complex.  Please join us at York Field for the dedication of "Freedom" by Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild on September 16, 2021 at 1 p.m. 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road, Whittier, CA 90606. The City of Whittier selected this bronze sculpture for its public art program in December of 2020. We're set to install mid-September. "Freedom" exhibits the best of America's pastime, camaraderie, sportsmanship and the pleasures of sun on your face and wind in your hair as you turn for home-plate. This placement shall echo the identity of this culturally rich and pulsating community and become an iconic image for York Field Sports Complex.  Update 8/3/2021: "Freedom" is cast and awaiting the site to be prepped. We temporarily have it on display in the NSG garden during our 29th Annual Show. We'll install in Whittier, California in a just a few weeks. Make sure if you're in Northern Colorado that you get a peek before it leaves.   Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected by the City of Whittier, California to place "Freedom" at York Field Sports Complex. The multi-figure bronze sculpture will be placed in the large planter located between the ballpark and playground adjacent the parking lot. The sculpture will be installed in late-summer 2021.   "Freedom" by Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild is an existing 1.25 life-size composition modified to add softball and baseball gear to create a unique placement for the York Field Sports Complex. Depicting a dynamic collection of children and a dog at play. This design reflects on the setting and activities of the site; emphasizes positive interaction and speaks to multiple generations with universal appeal. One can either see themselves, a friend or family member in the artwork, and provides great opportunity for photo opportunities. This sculpture speaks to a healthy lifestyle, community connection, and discovery of nature. The five children chase after a Retriever that has snatched one of the kid's mitts as they race to a game or practice. Several children wear baseball caps and uniforms, one carries a bat. The existing trees in the planter provide natural spacing of the care-free running children. There is a balance of ages and genders depicted in the children. These added baseball features will be added in wax prior to casting. "Freedom" exhibits the best of America's pastime, camaraderie, sportsmanship and the pleasures of sun on your face and wind in your hair as you turn for home-plate. This placement shall echo the identity of this culturally rich and pulsating community and become an iconic image for York Field Sports Complex.   Clay enlargement in progress  #PublicArt #JaneDeDecker #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #Whittier #California #YorkFieldSportsComplex #Freedom #KidsAtPlay #Baseball #Softball #DogArt #Bronze #Sculpture
 The sculptures are in! The National Sculptors' Guild installed "In the Wings" by Jane DeDecker and Alyson Kinkade, and "The Conductor" by Jane DeDecker at the Downey Theatre plaza yesterday. We so enjoy working with the City of Downey as they continue to grow their public art collection. Special thanks to Capitol Crane for lifting the custom stone bases from Tribble Stone over Embassy Suites' wall; it was quite a feat. The dancer's tutus add a splash of color, and the conductor's flair enlivens the space.
These smaller works accompany the Fountain feature "Tree of Life" by Clay Enoch that the Guild previously installed. Additional sculptures are planned for the near future, and seating will allow guests to the theatre to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the plaza.  Material shortages and covid shutdowns delayed this installation. We are thrilled to have it them in place as a display of the return to post-pandemic life. We can't wait to see the plaza filled with theater-goers. NSG Public Art Placements #532 & 533 #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #PublicArt #SculptureIsATeamSport #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #JaneDeDecker #AlysonKinkade #InTheWings #Conductor #DowneyTheatre #CityOfDowney #DowneyCA
10/27/2020: Two new pieces will be placed at the Theatre Plaza Sculpture Garden. "In the Wings" by Jane DeDecker and Alyson Kinkade, and "The Conductor" by Jane DeDecker. These smaller artworks join Clay Enoch's "Tree of Life" fountain in the center of the Downey Theatre Plaza. There are plans for additional placements in the near future that will depict the varied performing arts for the Theatre Plaza Sculpture Garden. From musicians and actors; to dancers and comics; these sculpted entertainers will activate the space. Below is a suggested plan, each work is subject to change.  The National Sculptors’ Guild installed 18 public art placements in 2020, truly a triumph for the challenges we all faced in the year. We are excited to have several new projects set to install in 2021 that we will be sharing in the near future.
Our 2020 public art placements are... (click titles to learn more) My Heart is in Your Hands, Jane DeDecker, Downey, CA Homeward/Monarch, Joe Norman, Downey, CA Mock Orange, Michael Warrick, Whittier, CA Time, Carol Gold, Bend, OR Between the Lines, Jane DeDecker, Loveland, CO Leaps and Bounds, Daniel Glanz, Brighton, CO Sweet Dreams & Grassland Trio, Daniel Glanz, Brighton, CO Mockingbird Tree, Michael Warrick, Southlake, TX On a Roll, Jack Hill, Downey, CA From a Different Perspective, Jane DeDecker, Downey, CA Infinite Dance, Carol Gold, Downey, CA Tree of Life, Clay Enoch, Downey, CA Burro Trio, Jane DeDecker, Southlake, TX Bamboo, Tim Cotterill (The Frogman), Joplin, MO Keeping the Ball Rolling, Jane DeDecker, Edmond, OK On a Roll, Jack Hill, Edmond, OK Rev. Pond, Denny Haskew, Shakopee, MN Tried and True, Gary Alsum, Edmond, OK We've now placed 530 public art monuments since 1992! Special thanks to all the people that helped make these placements happen, from fabrication to transport and installation, everyone pulled together in a time we had to stay apart.
#SculptureIsATeamSport #PublicArt #California #Texas #Missouri #Oklahoma #Minnesota #Oregon #Colorado #InstaArt #InstaGood #InstaLove #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded     Update 10/4/2020: “Tree of Life” by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors’ Guild is in! The new home is at the center of the new Downey Theatre Plaza fountain. Special thanks during the install to Josef Kekula and the City of Downey, Eisenman Transport, Capital Crane, Pacific Wood and Iron, and of course Clay Enoch and John Kinkade of the National Sculptors' Guild. NSG placement #524   Update 9/30/2020: "Tree of Life" by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild is on the truck and heading to Downey, CA. We are excited to see it in its new home at the center of the new Theatre Plaza. The 14ft bronze and stainless steel sculpture shares the truck with three other sculptures that the Guild is installing in Downey's downtown. It has always been John's motto that "Sculpture is a Team Sport"... It was an arduous task to load this complex sculpture. Arguably the most difficult loading we've experienced in our 28 years. It includes an engineered steel cradle, crane and rigging with pinpoint accuracy, and a team of people that coordinate well together. (this is just to load it on the truck; wait for the install) Everyone rose to the occasion. Special thanks to everyone involved... Tony Workman and the Art Castings staff, Dennis Henderson of DC Crane, John Eisenman Transportation, Zach Pennington of Blackeagle Fabrication, Jim Lambert and Shipper's Supply, Western Steel and Boiler, Russ Martino and Adam Granath of Martino and Luth, Josef Kekula and the City of Downey, CA, and of course Clay Enoch and John Kinkade of the National Sculptors' Guild. With the right people in place, we can achieve anything. Stay tuned for the install pics in a couple days. Update 9/15/2020: Nearing completion at Art Castings of Colorado. All eight figures are in place and the patina comes next.   "Tree of Life" by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild Update: 7/21/2020: Coming soon to Downey, California... "Tree of Life" by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild is in the finishing steps of bronze casting at Art Castings of Colorado. This installation is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild for installation in 2020. The bronze and stainless steel sculpture will be placed in the new fountain at the Theater Plaza. Our design team began working on this project in March of 2019. Measuring 12-feet tall and 14-feet in diameter, the tree composed of eight life-size bronze figures outstretched from a single column are united by the stainless steel rings that they hold; this sculpture is among our most complex figurative monuments to date. We are so excited to see this significant art statement in place. We will update this post as soon as installation is set. Progression of the project is shown below... Update 5/18/2020: attaching rings to figures, figures to trunk, metal chasing, and patina in progress Update 1/22/20 and 2/23/2020: sculpting the trunk, and site visit to see the start of the fountain. Update 10/11/2019: enlargement of the next set of figures in clay. Update 8/27/2019: enlargement of the first figures in clay. Update 5/8/2019: engineering and prototype for enlargement Update 3/25/2019: presentation of conceptual approach and maquette
The National Sculptors' Guild is in Downey, California today, installing four public art sculptures. It’s going well and the artwork looks fantastic in place. Thanks NSG Fellow Clay Enoch for the extra help! #PublicArt #NationalSculptorsGuild #SculptureIsATeamSport #CarolGold #NSG #DowneyCa #Sculpture #Installation  7/20/2020: Coming soon to Downey, California... "Infinite Dance" by Carol Gold has been cast at Art Castings of Colorado and awaits its installation in California. This sculpture is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild for installation in 2020. The larger than life bronze abstract figure joyfully dances on the top of a stainless-steel ring. The shape of a circle holds deep symbolism, referring to concepts such as: inclusion, unity, wholeness and infinity. The overall 14-foot tall piece will be placed on Downey Avenue as soon as we can safely install. Carol's siblings have been inspired by her sculpture, below are their creations.
 The National Sculptors' Guild has installed Affiliate Jack Hill's "On a Roll" in Downey, California. We're thrilled with this playful public art placement, appropriately placed adjacent to the Hall of Fame Market and Deli. We hope you find it a'peeling'. This installation is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild to enhance Downey Avenue. Special thanks to NSG Fellow Clay Enoch, Capitol Crane and the City of Downey for the installation help. NSG Public Art Placement #521
 7/1/2020: Coming soon to downtown Downey, CA! The National Sculptors' Guild is preparing to install Affiliate Jack Hill's "On a Roll". This installation is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild to enhance Downey Avenue. The project has been delayed due to the pandemic, we're hoping to install in the next month or so. Until then - take in this foundry shot of a vibrant 7-foot tall bronze banana on roller skates! Progression of the enlargement are shown below... want the maquette? want #2 of the enlargement edition? order one here
 Jane DeDecker sculpting "From a Different Perspective" 7/20/20: Coming soon to Downey, California... The National Sculptors' Guild is preparing to install "From a Different Perspective" by Jane DeDecker on Downey Avenue in California once it is safe to install. This sculpture is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild for installation in 2020. The 8-foot tall bronze depicts a young person doing a handstand with pocket change slipping out. The sculpture will be placed in a new urban pocket park along Downey Avenue. The sculpture is available in a limited edition as a monument or the maquette. Click here to order one. Check back for images of the monument in place.
  We are literally on a roll in placing Jack Hill’s “On a Roll”. The first goes to the commissioners Downey, California, the other is heading to Edmond, Oklahoma. #PublicArt
Thanks for the great crates Shippers' Supply Custom Pack. Thanks to Bronze Services Fine Art Foundry for the beautiful casting and patina. In need of a seven-foot roller skating banana for your city? There’s more available in the edition. Stay tuned for installation pics, here's Downey's. Edmonds' is coming soon.
 “Mockingbird/Orange Tree” by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors’ Guild is installed at The Groves Whittier in California. The 18-ft Stainless Steel stylized tree sculpture features a half dozen gold-leaf oranges and a single mockingbird. We are thrilled that this installation was able to be completed during less than ideal circumstances due to CoVid19. Our team worked well alongside Brookfield SoCal to install the sculpture. It was important to get it placed so that The Groves can complete their land and hardscaping and complete this beautiful new community. Thanks for everyone’s great effort! We hope the piece becomes an iconic centerpiece for the neighborhood and can’t wait to see it finished. #MichaelWarrick #NationalSculptorsGuild #WhittierCA #TheGroves #MockOrange #Sculpture #PublicArt #WIP #Installation #SunnyCalifornia #BrookfieldSoCal #StainlessSteel #GoldLeaf #Process  03/20/2020: Adding the final touch (of gold) to the cast bronze oranges, finished with stainless steel "leaves" prior to packing up for California. Yes, the installation of on Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild is still on amid all the recent CoVid related events. We are taking every precaution possible to install and return safely. Look for installation photos next week! #MichaelWarrick #NationalSculptorsGuild #WhittierCA #TheGrove #MockOrange #Sculpture #PublicArt #WIP We promise all these pieces will create a tree... "Yes we fit that whole 18’ tree form in a 12’ x 6’ trailer." - Michael Warrick 03/10/2020: Casting the bronze oranges in oil sand molds and finishing the stainless steel leaves... Also working on the little details like fitting the plates for the main trunk, pacify the stainless welds, attach the devices for the oranges in the limbs and finish the oranges. Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild. 02/02/2020: Moving along on Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild at a good pace... -The welded trunk and limb number 1with extra orange branch and to the right limb #2Limb -#2 with extra branch for orange -Limb #7 with orange branch which attaches to the upper section of the trunk -Welded trunk midsection. The temporarily attached aluminum plates are to absorb heat and reduce warp on the 1/2” thick joining plates -ring sections ready for install on limbs  01/10/2020: Fabrication update on Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild. -To the left, a photo from the top of of one of my tool boxes. In the foreground is the cast bronze and gold leafed Mockingbird that was finished over holiday break. Also, there is a 14” scaled model that is 3-D printed version of the Orange/Mockingbird Tree for my daily reference and to help curious folks see what I am building. In the background is a partial view of the 45K sq. ft. facility that I have a space in south of Little Rock. -Below are a few images of pallets of parts for the tree project. The second photo has a wooden template for the base plate of the sculpture. This will be mailed to the concrete contractor that will do the footing for the tree project at the appropriate time. -A photo of setting up the triple concentric rings that become the spheres that go on the tree form. -Next, a photo of the lower and upper tree trunk forms bolted together. You can see one of the sphere’s near the trunk and one in progress on my work table. 12/20/2019: We have the official go ahead on Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild. We're excited to see this sculpture placed at The Groves in Whittier, California this spring. It's a fast tracked project so keep an eye open for updates.  The Mockingbird Tree celebrates the tree as a natural resource. To tie into citrus grove history of the site, the limbs' seven spheres will contain six cast bronze oranges and one Mockingbird finished in 23-karat gold leaf. The surface of the stainless steel will have a brushed finish. Measuring 18’ x 12’ x 7’, the stainless steel tree form holds a strong, universally appealing visual presence. • Composed from contemporary materials that are consistent with permanent public art • Thoughtfully integrates the sculpture into the environment of "The Groves" • Creates a playful image that engages the public imagination 
February 20, 2020 From #SnowyColorado to #SunnyCalifornia the #NationalSculptorsGuild has loaded up the first two sculptures for the @cityofdowneyca’s #PublicArt program. |
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JK Design/NSGJK Designs’ Principal, John Kinkade, founded the National Sculptors’ Guild in 1992 with a handful of sculptors who wished to find thoughtful public applications for their work. Representation has since grown to over 20 contracted sculptors and painters; plus an extended network of 200+ artists that our design team works with on a regular basis to meet each project's unique needs. click here for a list of our over 500 large-scale placements. Archives
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