PROJECTS JK Designs, Inc. National Sculptors' Guild Columbine Gallery Significant Art Statements since 1992

18 NSG Public Art Placements in 2020

1/8/2021

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

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Tree of Life in Downey, CA

10/5/2020

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Western Art and Architecture Ad: #SculptureIsATeam Sport #TreeOfLife #Clay Enoch #NationalSculptorsGuild #PublicARt Placement 524, A few more photos from our “Tree of Life” installation in California. “Tree of Life” by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors’ Guild is in its new home at the center of the new Downey Theatre Plaza fountain. The 14-foot bronze and stainless-steel sculpture features 8 life sized figures gracefully stretching out from a single column and united by huge intersecting rings. NSG Public Art Placement 524 See more of the entire process here... http://www.jk-designs-inc.com/.../tree-of-life-in-Downey-ca Special thanks to our Colorado and California team members! Tony Workman and the Art Castings of Colorado staff, Dennis Henderson of DC Crane, John Eisenman Transportation, Zach Pennington of Blackeagle Fabrication, Jim Lambert and Shippers' Supply, Western Steel, Russ Martino and Adam Granath of Martino & Luth, Josef Kekula and the City of Downey, Capital Crane, Andy Garza of Pacific Wood and Iron, and of course Clay Enoch and John Kinkade of the National Sculptors' Guild.

A few more photos from our “Tree of Life” installation in California. “Tree of Life” by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors’ Guild is in its new home at the center of the new Downey Theatre Plaza fountain. The 14-foot bronze and stainless-steel sculpture features 8 life sized figures gracefully stretching out from a single column and united by huge intersecting rings. NSG Public Art Placement 524 See more of the entire process here... http://www.jk-designs-inc.com/.../tree-of-life-in-Downey-ca Special thanks to our Colorado and California team members! Tony Workman and the Art Castings of Colorado staff, Dennis Henderson of DC Crane, John Eisenman Transportation, Zach Pennington of Blackeagle Fabrication, Jim Lambert and Shippers' Supply, Western Steel, Russ Martino and Adam Granath of Martino & Luth, Josef Kekula and the City of Downey, Capital Crane, Andy Garza of Pacific Wood and Iron, and of course Clay Enoch and John Kinkade of the National Sculptors' Guild.

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

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 installations in 2020. The bronze and stainless steel sculpture will be placed in a 18-foot diameter 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 out stretched from a single column are united by the stainless steel rings 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 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

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Infinite Dance by Carol Gold, Downey, CA

10/4/2020

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We've just finished installing "Infinite Dance" by Carol Gold in Downey, California.

This sculpture is part of a series of Public Art placements that the City of Downey commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild for installation in 2020.

We love the energy this piece adds to Downey Avenue. We hope you get a chance to visit it soon.

NSG public art placement #516

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

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.

INFINITE DANCE by James Rosenstein

"Those arms outstretched speak to
listeners, telling them they’re home,
telling them that however they began,
whatever clay golem they may have been,
whatever hard toil they may have known,
there is something holding them together,
more than separate parts,
more than always more;
the infinite motion of the captured moment
brings them peace and helps them thrive on
the simplicity of what is there, is there.

This joy of dance tells trees their limbs,
swaying in whispers of breeze
bathing in rain
enamored of red and gold,
are reaching as well their destination,
telling them their roots
have given them what they need to grow,
what they need to know.

Harsh winds can whirl about
with stories of what should be,
of what should not be,
pulling us away from what is there,
from what brought us here.
And when we discover where we are,
Raise our arms and dance!"

Carol Gold with her sculpture "Infinite Dance"

Carol Gold sculpting "Infinite Dance"

Listen to the inspired song...

infinite_dance.mp3
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Download File

INFINITE DANCE by Alice Spatz
"The sculptor's hands weave a spell that opens up her heart,
and the clay reveals her stories as she molds every part.

The dancer raises her hands, as she looks toward the sky;
balancing on one foot she moves forever in a dance of joy.

The sculptor's hands weave a spell that opens up her heart,
and the clay reveals her stories as she molds every part.

Balanced on the circle she dances on the top;
the circle holds the earth and sky – the dancing never stops.

The sculptor's hands move with grace, like a dance upon the clay,
and her joys replace her sorrow as the years melt away.

The circle holds the dancer, the day, the night, the years;
the circle holds the sculptor's love, her laughter and her tears.

The sculptor's hands move with grace, like a dance upon the clay,
and her joys replace her sorrow as the years melt away."

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On a Roll in Downey, CA

10/4/2020

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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

Coming soon to downtown Downey, CA!
The National Sculptors' Guild is preparing to install Affiliate Jack Hill's "On a Roll". The installations are 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 brilliantly colored, 7-foot tall bronze banana on roller skates!

Progression of the enlargement are shown below... want the maquette? order one here

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From a Different Perspective in Downey, CA

10/4/2020

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"From a Different Perspective" by Jane DeDecker has been installed on Downey Avenue. Special thanks to the City of Downey for installation help.

The city created a new space on this city corner filled with artsy benches where people can take a break from shopping and enjoy the sculpture and nearby mural.

This sculpture is part of a series of six Public Art placements that the City has commissioned from the National Sculptors' Guild for installation in 2020.

We are loving teaming up with the city in their efforts to fill their spaces with artful expression. Two additional placements are now in the works for 2021.

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.

Jane and son, David apply the patina

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.

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.

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On a Roll, x2

9/18/2020

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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.

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International Sculpture Day 2020

4/25/2020

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In celebration of International Sculpture Day here are a few of our most recent Public Art monuments. Go find our over 515 monumental sculpture placements and enjoy public art!

#InternationalSculptureDay #PublicArt #Sculptures #ISday #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #Warrick #Norman #DeDecker #Enoch

Mockingbird/Orange Tree by Michael Warrick and the National Sculptors' Guild in Whittier, CA

Community by Clay Enoch and the National Sculptors' Guild in Little Rock, AR

Homeward/Monarch by Joe Norman and the National Sculptors' Guild in Downey, CA

My Heart is in Your Hands by Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors' Guild in Downey, CA

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Mockingbird/Orange Tree Whittier, CA

3/26/2020

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“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 -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.

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

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My Heart is in Your Hands in Downey, CA

2/23/2020

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Jane DeDecker's My Heart is in Your Hands

Our installations today in downtown Downey, CA!
Joe Norman’s
#HomewardMonarch
and Jane DeDecker’s
#MyHeartIsInYourHands
These are the first of a series of #PublicArt placements that the City has commissioned
from the National Sculptors' Guild to enhance
#DowneyAvenue
More coming soon!
NSG placement 513

Click here to see Joe's install

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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Homeward/Monarch in Downey, CA

2/23/2020

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Joe and Bric finish the base

Click here to see Jane's install

The intention behind these multi-focal sculptures is to open dialogue of how we can transform ideas/statements/actions through a simple change of one's own perspective. As the viewer approaches the artwork from one side, they see the form of butterflies emerge, from another angle, the word "homeward" becomes clear.

Homeward/Monarch by Joe Norman and the National Sculptors' Guild is 12 ft tall, fabricated in stainless steel and paint. Look for it on the corner of Downey Avenue and 2nd Street, Downey, CA
NSG placement 514