 Joe Norman and John Kinkade with the sculpture "Protect" Public Art Installed at Fire Station 33 Public art for the new Fire Station 33, 4109 S. 134th East Ave., has been installed this week, and this commissioned work, titled “Protect,” is available for the public to enjoy. The 6-foot-tall, stainless steel sculpture is near the flag pole and public parking lot on the west side of Station 33. The Arts Commission of the City of Tulsa chose the design team of Joe Norman and the National Sculptors’ Guild for this project. According to the National Sculptors’ Guild, this sculpture, fabricated at Joe Norman’s studio in Loveland, Colo., is intended to “activate the site and signify the exemplary service of firefighters in a single, free-standing sculpture.” “The Arts Commission is very impressed with this artist,” Commission Chair Pam Deatherage said. “It’s an interactive piece that changes as you walk around it. Tulsa is very fortunate to have initiated, in 1964, a program where art is provided as part of the project budget - the 1% funded public arts ordinance - to include creative pieces on display at our public buildings.” Standing on a 1,650-pound sandstone base, the sculpture has red letters spelling the word “Protect,” visible from one direction. Two other perspectives show the gray silhouette of a firefighter. Also according to the National Sculptors’ Guild, the final side, opposite “Protect,” is “an abstraction, symbolic of the unknowns that firefighters face.” “To have the word “Protect” in fire-engine red strengthens what this word means to those in service and the community it serves,” said John Kinkade, director of the National Sculptors’ Guild. Norman describes his work as “creating public sculptures that show different images or words depending on the viewpoint of the observer.” Norman said, “I believe that having multiple ideas coexist in a single piece is a useful metaphor for the ecosystem of ideas that public art empowers and protects.” Joe Norman and the National Sculptors’ Guild installed the art with help from Tulsa subcontractors. “Sculpture is a team sport,” Kinkade said. “Thank you, City of Tulsa, the Arts Commission, Tribble Stone, Voy Construction, Barnhart Excavating, American Pipe Bending, Landstar System, and the community of Tulsa. We are so proud to be part of honoring firefighters through this art placement.” A public hose uncoupling ceremony for Fire Station 33 was held in September. Hose uncoupling is a fire service tradition similar to a ribbon cutting ceremony. Funding for this new fire station has come from the 2001 Third Penny Sales Tax and the 2013 Improve Our Tulsa sales tax. The Public Safety Sales Tax, which was approved in 2016 with the Vision Tulsa sales tax, has provided funding to hire more firefighters to fully staff this new station. - City of Tulsa, Nov. 16, 2022  Update 11/9/2022: Fire Engine red paint has been added and the sculpture has been set in its cradle, the stone has been drilled (thanks Tribble Stone) and everything is ready for transport to Tulsa.
  Update 10/14/2022: Our project with the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma is all but ready to install. Some Fire Engine Red will complete the look. Just a few more weeks and Joe Norman’s firefighter sculpture “Protect will be in its new home at Fire Station 33. Stay tuned for pics of the install.  Update 9/23/2022: Barnhart Excavating poured the footing for "Protect" at Fire Station 33 on a blue-sky day in Tulsa. Update 9/15/2022: Things are really growing. we're about half way through the fabrication phase.  Update 9/1/2022: The monument isn't ready yet, but "Protect" was at the dedication of Fire Station 33 in a small way. The maquette was present during the celebration, and even made it into the hands of the Chief. We couldn't be happier with the initial response and are also feeling great about our red matching the engine. #NailedIt Congratulations on your new Fire Station, Tulsa! Update 7/6/2022: Our project with the @cityoftulsa for their Fire Station 33 is taking shape. We are very excited to see Joe Norman’s firefighter sculpture “Protect” develop. Engineering is complete and Joe has created the final maquette. Full-size enlargement is next.
 Update 2/9/2022: Our project with the @cityoftulsa is finally underway. We are very excited to see Joe Norman’s firefighter sculpture “Protect” develop from the concept design to the study you see here. We will keep you posted as it grows. "I’ve been chasing down public art projects to honor service workers. Specifically those who put themselves at risk so that we may have a more healthy society: physically, mentally, and socially." -Joe Norman  6/9/2021: Joe Norman's "Protect" is earmarked for placement in front of the City of Tulsa's Fire Department 33. The 6-ft tall stainless steel sculpture depicts the silhouette of a firefighter from one angle, and the word protect from another. The National Sculptors' Guild's proposal of Norman's work was selected from an open call to artists to place "Protect".  Our initial approach for this site is to place a free-standing sculpture from Norman's word play series activating as much of the site as possible. The iconic sculpture will be fabricated from stainless steel,
with one side painted in durable epoxy paint to tie into the building's aesthetic. The first thing that comes to mind for us when thinking about a fire-fighter is the word "Protect" so that word is viewed from one direction. The other perspective shows the silhouette of a fire-fighter approaching their call to action. Opposite the word is an abstraction, symbolic of the unknowns that fire-fighter's face.
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 Jane DeDecker's "YMCA" is at its new home at Bloomington-Normal YMCA's new building. We're so happy to see it being enjoyed by everyone who enters this amazing community facility. Special thanks to the Dobski family, who made this placement possible.  Update 6/16/22: Jane DeDecker's "YMCA" is finished in metal, awaiting patina, before it heads to its new home in Bloomington, Illinois. The YMCA there has a new building opening in August! @bnymca Bloomington-Normal YMCA Always fun to see this cheerful sculpture come to life. #PublicArt #Commission #JaneDeDecker #YMCA #Bronze #Sculpture #DeDeckerStudio #MaddCastings #BNYMC #bettertogether #BloomingtonNormalYMCA #BloomingtonIL #SculptureIsATeamSport #NSG #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #NationalSculptorsGuild #workinprogresswednesday 
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.  The National Sculptors' Guild is shipping off another of Affiliate Jack Hill's "On a Roll", this time the a'peeling sculpture is headed to Little Rock, Arkansas for their extensive public art collection along the Riverfront Park. We're always happy to work with Little Rock.
We'll update this post with more photos once the city gets it installed. NSG Public Art Placement #541 Craig Campbell’s “Abracadabra” is installed in its new home of Little Rock, Arkansas. Sculpture at the River Market commissioned this magical piece from us a year ago. And we just love how it turned out, right down to the colorful patina. This sculpture depicts an aspiring Magician whimsically practicing his tricks for the attentive audience of a dog, a mouse, and a stuffed bunny. My inspiration in creating Abracadabra is as a reminder that there is a power greater than us all and it is important to look for the “magic” in everything. #PublicArt #JustInstalled #CraigCampbell #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #Abracadabra #Arkansas #LittleRock #Bronze #Commission #Sculpture #Magic #Magician #MagicInArt #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #SculptureIsATeamSport #CelebratingThirtyYears  Update 11/5/2021: The clay has been fine tuned and approved by the city. Can you spy all the hidden gems in the piece? He has included a snail, a frog, a mouse, dog and bunny. Maybe more... It will be a fun sculpture for people to discover all the tricks Craig had up his sleeve in the making of it. #PublicArt #WIP #CraigCampbell #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #Abracadabra #Arkansas #LittleRock #Bronze #Commission #Sculpture #Magic #Magician #MagicInArt #ArtistDriven #ClientMinded #SculptureIsATeamSport #WorkInProgressWednesday Update 9/15/21: Craig Campbell has been hard at work and the enlargement is nearly complete. Soon the magician and their assistants will head to the foundry to be transformed into bronze. Update 8/1/21: The maquette has formed, and Abracadabra is starting to come to life...  Update 6/1/21: Craig Campbell and the National Sculptors' Guild will be placing a new bronze in the Little Rock, Arkansas public art collection, "Abracadabra" will soon add a bit more magic to the area.
This sculpture depicts an aspiring Magician whimsically practicing his tricks for an attentive audience of his dog, a mouse, and a stuffed bunny. My inspiration in creating Abracadabra is as a reminder that there is a power greater than us all and it is important to look for the “magic” in everything. In this piece I set out to create a fun, approachable, engaging monument to the simple joys of life, and the belief that with friends, focus, practice, and perhaps a bit of magic we can overcome all difficulties. A smile can be contagious! Abracadabra is meant to spread a bit of happiness and hopefully share a smile with all who engage with it. We’ve just installed Macro/Micro Discoveries by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild at Surprise Lake Middle School in Milton, WA. The school is phenomenal and we’re so proud to be a small part of it through this artwork. Special thanks to everyone; Tom, Don, Clint and Mark from @slms.sabers, Mike and Deanne from @artswa, installation expertise from NSG sculptor @markleichliter, @shipperssupplycustompack, @artcastingsco foundry, and last but not least - all the SLMS students that will enjoy this sculpture on their campus. #SculptureIsATeamSport “Macro/Micro Discoveries” is a statement about the explorative nature of learning, where new worlds open up, big and small, with a simple shift in perspective. The student body is represented by two bronze figures. Glass elements symbolize the abstract subject. The figures are united by a stainless-steel architectural frame, the window to the worlds of discovery.  Update 3/23/22: We've just met at the foundry to dry fit the glass and discuss installation needs for Macro/Micro Discoveries by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors Guild. We'll be in Washington the first part of April to install at Surprise Lake Middle School, stay tuned... Update 3/8/22: All the pieces are put back together again and patina applied. Art Castings of Colorado did a beautiful job, as always. The sculpture is ready for us to set up installation day. We are very excited to see this piece in place.  Update 1/19/22: The bronze has been cast and the figures are in the process of being chased together again while the stainless steel frame is fabricated. All coming together for a Spring install.  Update 10/14/21: The site has been prepped and footing/base poured. Ready for the sculpture to be placed. Thanks Thad, Paul, Winston and crew at Hoffman Reconstruction! Update 9/15/21: The mold was made, the wax is poured, the next step is casting in bronze at Art Castings.  Macro/Micro Discoveries by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild 6/16/2021: Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected by Washington State Arts Commission to place "Macro/Micro Discoveries" at the new Surprise Lake Middle School in Milton, Washington. The sculpture is planned for installation in 2022. “Macro/Micro Discoveries” is a statement about the explorative nature of learning, where new worlds open up, big and small, with a simple shift in perspective. The student body is represented by two bronze figures. Glass elements symbolize the abstract subject. The figures are united by a stainless steel architectural frame, the window to the worlds of discovery. This unique composition meets the committee’s desires for the project: bringing excitement and interest for education, being relatable to students, encouraging interaction and gatherings, playing on dynamics of gravity, relating to nature, and inspiring the imagination. Macro is depicted by a young boy telescopically looking through a cylinder at the broader universe. Micro shown by a young girl investigating a cube within a cube. The use of geometry in the forms further ties to learning from nature's building blocks. The frame of the sculpture invites students to become part of the composition, gather around it, take selfies, and explore how they may relate to the figures that are depicted. Enlargement: Maquette:  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
So pleased that three NSG members have had sculptures selected to add to the City of Loveland Art in Public Places' collection at Benson Sculpture Garden this year. One of the best sculpture gardens in the nation is in our backyard and is filled with lots of our artists’ work. And soon, there'll be more! If you haven’t seen it, come visit! Congratulations to Craig Campbell, Jack Hill and Joe Norman! #CraigCampbell #JoeNorman #JackHill #NSG #PublicArt #BensonPark #LovelandCO #NationalSculptorsGuild #Sculpture  Joe Norman's Monarch Girl (three views shown) Via @lovelandpublicart: In early February 2022, the Loveland Visual Arts Commission approved the gracious donation of the six new sculptures for the Benson Sculpture Gardens by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council (LHPAC). This year’s selection of artworks continues the legacy of sculpture contributions to the Loveland community. These sculptures will be installed in early summer, with a formal dedication during the second weekend in July. This year's selected pieces: 1. Abracadabra; Craig Campbell; Bronze – 84” x 60” x 48” 2. On a Roll; Jack Hill; Bronze – 84” x 48” x 28” 3. Hangin’ Around; Mark Hopkins; Bronze – 66” x 52” x 36” 4. Open Window; Ted Schaal; Bronze, Stainless Steel, 24K Gold –108” x 48” x 24” 5. Monarch Girl; Joe Norman; Stainless Steel – 72” 6. Power of Thought; Victor Issa; Bronze – 120” x 88” x 41”  Greg with the family dog, Onyx We are sharing the unfortunate news of the death of our dear friend and colleague, Greg Hebert. Greg lost his 7.5 month battle with Glioblastoma on Friday. Greg was an integral part of our design team bringing his vast knowledge of Landscape Architecture and unique vision to several of our public art projects. Our entry for the Barona Band of Mission Indians in Lakeside, California won the AIA Orchid Award. Just one of Greg's many professional accolades. Having known Greg since his college years in the 80's, we (the Kinkade's) consider him family, and are incredibly saddened by his passing. We will deeply miss his positive energy and the beauty he cultivated throughout his life.
 "The Greeters" AIA Orchid Award Winner, design team included NSG's John Kinkade, Greg Hebert and Denny Haskew  Artist, Gary Alsum with “Colorado Governor, Ralph Carr,” commission for Carr Judicial Center, Denver, Colorado. Bronze, 54” tall, 2012 One of the National Sculptors' Guild's Charter Members, Gary Alsum, was just featured in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine. The article highlights Gary's take on the commission process and some of the benefits of working as a team. As John Kinkade, NSG Director has always said "Sculpture is a Team Sport" and we love all the projects we've been able to place with Gary over the past 30 years. From the Artist Spotlight... "What is the most interesting thing you have sculpted and why? Most of my work in the past couple of decades has been in collaboration with individual collectors or municipal entities along with the National Sculptors’ Guild (NSG). Most of those works honor people from our past but some are intended to preserve favorite memories or activities. My favorite subjects are the figure in motion, but capturing likenesses is just as satisfying. All the commissions I am awarded are a special honor. I take the responsibility seriously with the goal of giving clients more than they expect. Working with the NSG allows me to do what I do best — create meaningful sculpture — while they handle the logistics of scheduling, engineering, transportation, landscaping that enhances the sculpture, installation etc. Not all my sculptures are large enough to require trucks and cranes and such, but when they do, the NSG is an invaluable asset. How do you describe success? I feel most successful when a client is moved to tears when they first see a finished sculpture. But occasionally I create more humorous depictions – dogs driving classic cars with reckless abandon. (How else would dogs drive?) Success then is when viewers burst out in laughter. It makes for a fun mix." Click here to see the full feature
  We could not be more proud of National Sculptors' Guild member Craig Campbell who had the privilege and honor to sculpt the Maya Angelou quarter. She is the first black woman to be depicted on a US quarter.
The reverse (tails), designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Artist Emily Damstra and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig A. Campbell, depicts Maya Angelou with her arms uplifted. Behind her are a bird in flight and a rising sun, images inspired by her poetry and symbolic of the way she lived. A writer, poet, performer, social activist, and teacher, Angelou rose to international prominence as an author after the publication of her groundbreaking autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Angelou’s published works of verse, non-fiction, and fiction include more than 30 bestselling titles. Her remarkable career encompasses dance, theater, journalism, and social activism. The recipient of more than 30 honorary degrees, Angelou read “On the Pulse of Morning” at the 1992 inauguration of President Bill Clinton. Angelou’s reading marked the first time an African American woman wrote and presented a poem at a Presidential inauguration. In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and she was the 2013 recipient of the Literarian Award, an honorary National Book Award for contributions to the literary community."  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:
 Gary Alsum’s “Tried and True” was dedicated at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond during their Veteran's Memorial Service. The two soldiers are sculpted back to back. One in full combat uniform, the other dressed for class. Minimizing space between the figures creates a single form. Symbolically, this depiction shows how the soldiers rely on one another as they literally have each other’s back – in service, or in civilian life; they stand together in a life-long connection. This camaraderie extends to the family of Veterans which can be felt through this composition as well. It can connect with relatives, friends, and fellow service people, creating a space for reflection from any path of life. The National Sculptors' Guild has had the honor of placing a number of monuments commemorating Veteran’s across the nation. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Veteran’s. Thank you for your services. NSG Public Placement #530  Update 12/17/2020: Gary Alsum's Tried and True has been completed in bronze and is on it's way to the University of Central Oklahoma. The sculpture will be stored there until the site is completed and can be placed. Thanks to Bronze Services of Colorado for another job well done.  Tried and True by Gary Alsum and the National Sculptors' Guild 5/24/2020:: Gary Alsum and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected by the University of Central Oklahoma to create a Veteran's Memorial for their Edmond, Oklahoma campus. The composition is titled "Tried and True" The desire of the committee was to honor two individuals as a memorial - one depicted as a soldier and one as a student - who were close to the UCO family and by extension represent all others who have served to defend our liberties. Gary chose to depict the two soldiers, back to back. One in full combat uniform, the other dressed for class. Minimizing space between the figures creates a single form. Symbolically, this depiction shows how the soldiers rely on one another as they literally have each other’s back – in service, or in civilian life; they stand together in a life-long connection. This camaraderie extends to the family of Veterans which can be felt through this composition as well. It can connect with relatives, friends, and fellow service people, creating a space for reflection from any path of life. The clay enlargement is shown below...       "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
 We just completed our installation of Gary Alsum's bronze "Mother Cabrini" at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church vehicular entry located on Cabrini Drive in Lafayette, Colorado. Thanks everyone who helped make this placement a success!  UPDATE 8/15/21: Looking pretty finished in bronze with a fresh patina at Bronze Services of Colorado  Conceptual rendering of proposed Mother Cabrini sculpture, UPDATE 2/18/21: Gary Alsum and the National Sculptors' Guild were selected to sculpt Mother Cabrini for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church vehicular entry located on Cabrini Drive in Lafayette, Colorado. Gary elected to depict Mother Cabrini, (also known as Saint Frances Cabrini), with children to show the nun's lifelong dedication to helping the poor, the sick, immigrants and those less fortune; forming schools and orphanages around the world in the late 1800's. The bronze sculpture will be 8-ft tall, mounted on a trio of off-set hexagonal sandstone for an overall height of 11-12-feet. A natural pathway will be laid to allow visitors to experience the sculpture's details. We anticipate installation in late-Spring 2021. About Cabrini... The youngest of thirteen children, Frances Cabrini was born on July 15, 1850 in a small village called S’ant Angelo Lodigiano near the city of Milan, Italy. She grew up enthralled by the stories of missionaries and made up her mind to join a religious order. Because of her frail health, she was not permitted to join the Daughters of the Sacred Heart who had been her teachers and under whose guidance she obtained her teaching certificate. However, in 1880, with seven young women, Frances founded the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was as resourceful as she was prayerful, finding people who would donate what she needed in money, time, labor and support. She and her sisters wanted to be missionaries in China; she visited Rome to obtain an audience with Pope Leo XIII. The Pope told Frances to go “not to the East, but to the West” to New York rather than to China as she had expected. She was to help the thousands of Italian immigrants already in the United States. In 1889, New York seemed to be filled with chaos and poverty, and into this new world stepped Mother Frances Cabrini and her sister companions. Cabrini organized catechism and education classes for the Italian immigrants and provided for the needs of the many orphans. She established schools and orphanages despite tremendous odds. Soon, requests for her to open schools came to Frances Cabrini from all over the world. She traveled to Europe, Central and South America and throughout the United States. She made 23 trans-Atlantic crossings and established 67 institutions: schools, hospitals and orphanages. Her activity was relentless until her death. On December 22, 1917, in Chicago, she died. In 1946, she was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XII in recognition of her holiness and service to mankind and was named Patroness of Immigrants in 1950. Process, from maquette to cast bronze enlargement                   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. 
 5/15/2020: Kathleen Caricof and the National Sculptors' Guild have won the 2020 Sculpture at the River Market Public Monument commission. Synergy will be installed in spring 2021 near the entrance of the West Central Community Center, Little Rock, AR. "The West Central Community Center is a place where people come and go on an everyday basis to enjoy everything the center has to offer. The inspiration for this sculpture is to express the motion of the activities which take place in the Center and the connection it makes among community members. Designed with energy, this tall metal sculpture shows the excitement of the expression of motion. These forms, as simple as they might look, depict the complex movements of athletes and the togetherness of a lively community. Standing tall, and easy to see, Caricof’s bright sculpture is perfectly suited as a landmark for the nearby pickup and drop off spot by the West Central Community Center’s entrance.”   J.K. Designs' Principal and Executive Director of the National Sculptors' Guild's John Kinkade will be in Winter Park, Florida for the long anticipated judging of the 62nd Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. The festival was cancelled last year due to the Corona Virus, so the artists who were juried in were invited back to exhibit this year. These artist's are eager to show and sell their creations: while John and the two other judges are excited to select and present the 63 artist awards that total $74,500. John is honored to have been invited to judge this exceptional art festival and we hope those in the area will get a chance to view the exhibit, plus experience the many other activities offered, like Music and Food, the Children’s Workshop and the Leon Theodore Schools Exhibit.... click here to learn more.  Where: In Central Park and along Park Avenue in Winter Park, FL When: May 14, 15, 16, 2021 Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The Festival debuted in March 1960 as a community project to bring local artists and art lovers together. It is produced by an all-volunteer board and draws more than 350,000 visitors each year. Over 1,100 artists from around the world apply for the Festival each year. An independent panel of three judges select the 225 artists who will exhibit their works. The Festival consistently ranks as one of the top juried fine art festivals in the country with high rankings in Art Fair Calendar’s “2019 Best Art Fairs”, Art Fair Source Book’s rankings and Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “Top 100” lists. The 2021 Artists Application is by invitation only this year and is being extended to the final 2020 accepted artists. The Festival features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts in the following categories: clay, digital art, drawings & pastels, fiber-glass, graphics & printmaking, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media 2D, mixed media 3D, painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood, along with a special category for Emerging Artists. The Best of Show winner is purchased for $12,000 by The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Board and donated to the City of Winter Park. Previous Best of Show winners are on permanent display at the Winter Park Public Library. A $5,000 “Art of Philanthropy” Purchase Award is sponsored by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. A $2,500 “Distinguished Work of Art” Award is presented through The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. There are 10 Awards of Excellence of $2,000 each, 20 Awards of Distinction of $1,000 each and 30 Awards of Merit of $500 each. In addition to these awards, the Patrons Program generates another $80,000 in Art Bucks that are dedicated to the purchase of artwork.  The National Sculptors' Guild design team is so thrilled and honored to be finalists for Arkansas’ search for sculptors for its upcoming contribution to the National Statuary Hall. We have Jane DeDecker as a finalist for the Daisy Gatson Bates portrait, and Craig Campbell is a finalist for the Johnny Cash portrait. Both artists will be hard at work on the next phase of the process as we will be proposing concepts in the coming months. read the article by Rachel Herzog for more info: https://www.arkansasonline.com/.../finalists-named-in.../
 Daisy Lee Bates and Johnny Cash to be commemorated in the National Statuary Hall by one of three finalists each, including Jane DeDecker and Craig Campbell, Fingers crossed we get to honor these extraordinary individuals! |
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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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