 John Kinkade and Denny Haskew pose with sculpture Committed. The National Sculptors' Guild installed Charter Member, Denny Haskew's bronze sculpture 'Committed' at the Josephine B. Jones Park and Open Space in Greeley, Colorado this morning. The sculpture was donated to the site by NSG Director, John Kinkade, in honor of his parents, Jack and Ditto Kinkade, long-time, beloved residents of Greeley who frequently donated their time and services to the community. Kinkade was instrumental in the creation of the park 30+years ago in the name of close family friend Josephine Jones, a true pioneer of the region who enriched the community in cultural events, historic preservation, and as an avid proponent of natural spaces; many of the trees in the open space were planted as saplings by Jones. The 11-ft tall bronze is enhanced with gold leaf on the sash. We've mounted the sculpture to a 1-ft tall sandstone base that is inscribed: "Given to the City of Greeley in honor of his parents, Dorothy (Ditto) Waldo Kinkade and John (Jack) Henry Kinkade, Jr. by John Waldo Kinkade - 2023" The site is ideal for this sculpture, a beautiful xeriscape expanse of land (~36 acres) stretching from Jones' former home (now used by the Greeley Forestry Department) to the edge of Highway 34. The family's deep connection to Jones and the natural space feels like the right placement to honor all involved and we appreciate the assistance from the city to make this happen. (Special thanks to DC Crane, Tribble Stone and Kim Snyder and Will Dillon from the City of Greeley for assisting on-site this morning). #SculptureIsATeamSport   Committed by Denny Haskew The artist developed a love for all things natural as well as a religious respect for all beings on earth from his relationship with his father and Potawatomi grandmother. Committed started as a traditional crucifix without Native American context. The crucifixion pose emphasized the importance to follow a spiritual path and be committed to it. We are all free to choose and once committed to a path with our Creator we begin to see inner truth. "I give to you all that I am. My faith in Spirit is unchanging. Eyes closed I can only see love." -DH Literally, the bronze is a depiction of a member of the Dog Soldier Society, sometimes called a "Sash Wearer." This man was known among his tribal members as a fierce warrior and courageous leader. When confronted by an enemy, the Dog Soldier would stake the end of the sash to the ground with his spear, thus telling the enemy he must fight to the death at this spot or leave. Other times the Dog Soldier may stake himself out as his tribal members advanced into battle so as to say "I am here, if you retreat past me, you will sacrifice me for I will fight to the death at this spot." His double eagle-tail bonnet blows out behind him creating a circle, the circle of life for all living beings. The city will be adding a QR code to the site that will lead visitors of the site to learn about the sculpture.  Haskew removing the last of the rigging during this morning's installation of Committed in Josephine B. Jones Park. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Denny Haskew currently resides in Loveland, Colorado where he is actively engaged in the art industry as a sculptor. He received his degree from the University of Utah, then served two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Having spent numerous years as a guide and ski instructor, Denny has learned to love the rivers and mountains of the western states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. After moving to Loveland, a hub of successful working sculptors, he wasted no time in getting monumental sculpture experience through working with renowned sculptors in the area. Since 1987, Denny has created and placed dozens of monumental compositions; spanning the full spectrum of the figurative genre.
As a member of the Potawatomi Citizen Nation, it is only natural for his artwork to follow the Native American culture. His art has not been limited to Native American and southwestern subjects, however, as he frequently explores abstract forms placing emphasis on the qualities of the metal and stone used. As a Charter member of the National Sculptors' Guild and being close to other sculptors and the Loveland area foundries has helped him to master all the foundry processes involved in producing a desirable and lasting monumental bronze sculpture. Over 50 major public placements include the Smithsonian Institution, DC.; the Gilcrease Museum, OK; Cerritos, CA; Little Rock, AR; the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux collection, MN, and the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA. His outlook on life and sculpture largely stems from his Irish/Potawatomi heritage. He states "....the strength of my artwork ascends from the spirit of the people portrayed - Native Americans, Mayans, friends, children, people of the Great Plains and West. This same spirit connects each of us with the harmony of nature and one's relationship to another." Concern with composition and fascination with the human form lead him to portray bodies in unusual, sometimes nearly contorted positions. Dramatically individualistic facial features combine with carefully composed body positions to reveal souls filled with emotion, scarred and given character by the circumstances of living, but never beaten by life. Haskew’s artwork conveys his innermost being. It is intensely personal and honest. His themes are recurring: Spirit, Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Relationship, Endurance, the Sacredness of the Human Spirit, and the Strength in each of us, the Power of all that is Natural.
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National Sculptors' Guild: City Worker Memorial by Kathleen Caricof commissioned by the City of Greeley, CO installed September 2, 2009 in Lincoln Park. The marble & granite Memorial Sculpture is placed perpendicularly to the nearest sidewalk for both the largest impact to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Centered on a 7’ diameter granite plaza the 14.5’ high sculpture will face a South-East direction to incorporate the sun which will activate the gold-leaf clad opening and cast long, interesting shadows throughout the day. Title and inscription is carved on the 4’x2’ granite portion of the sculpture with names of honor on the back. |
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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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