Part of our team is in Gladstone, Missouri to install Joe Norman’s “Monarch Girl” at Oak Grove Park, where the city’s Theatre in the Park is annually held. Below you can watch a time-lapse of the installation (courtesy Holly Hayden of The Time Collector LLC) and a 360 view of the placement (courtesy Joe Norman)

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

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

The City of Loveland and Visit Loveland are hosting this year’s Colorado Municipal League Convention this week and asked the National Sculptors’ Guild to help during the event by reflecting what makes the City of Loveland so special - its connection with the Arts!

The Guild has provided the conference with a unique display of 16 large-scale sculptures by our NOCO members inside Embassy Suites - Loveland.

We love being headquartered in this art-centric city and hope to make Loveland’s art community proud.
Click here to see more and learn more about the display and artists.

Heritage Park Public Art Project Johnson County is Seeking Community Feedback thru June 30!
EVERYONE is welcome to participate and share your thoughts! ​

We are a semi-finalist in this important commemorative monument and ask that you please take a moment and be part of the public art process.

Johnson County is seeking community feedback on the three design proposals for the Heritage Park Public Art Project, commemorating the Potawatomi Trail of Death. One design will be selected for installation in spring 2025. Please give your honest feedback, even if it isn't ours.

JK Designs and the National Sculptors' Guild have a number of projects in various stages of completion that we're looking forward to sharing and installing in 2024; as pictured:

Denny Haskew - Trail of Forgiveness, Loveland, CO
Dee Clements - Fortitude, Santa Fe Springs, CA
Jane DeDecker - Ho'okipa, Honolulu, HI
Jane DeDecker - YMCA, Ottawa, IL
Joe Norman - Monarch Girl, Gladstone, MO
NSG Team - Armed Forces Memorial, Paramount, CA
Gary Alsum - Dedication, Cerritos, CA
NSG Team - Tribute to Public Safety Plaza, Cerritos, CA
NSG Team - Inspiration Plaza, Little Rock, AR
Denny Haskew - Strength of the Maker, Loveland, CO
Denny Haskew - Moulding Our Future, Cerritos, CA


We are also finalists in upcoming projects, and know we will be adding many more amazing compositions by our Guild members to corporate and public art collections throughout the year. If you have a project needing an artful solution, we look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for appreciating art and supporting our team of artists.
May 2024 bring you health, peace, and happiness. Happy New Year!

Ready for game time with Joe Norman for our finalist zoom presentation. Fingers Crossed!

The National Sculptors' Guild Fellows have voted to promote Craig Campbell as a Fellow Member. He has been an Associate Member for the past few years and we have seen great success with Craig's work and love collaborating with him. We are finding ourselves finalists with him in another major project currently, so the projection is in the up and up - matching this artist's enthusiasm for life and art.

His artwork is creative, fun, thoughtful, and captivating; his skills make his approach very versatile. Always positive, Craig has been a great advocate of NSG’s members and efforts wherever he goes. If you have one of the new Maya Angelou quarters (among others)– you’re walking around with Craig’s sculpture in your pocket. Look for the CAC on coins... that’s him!

Check out his portfolio and add him to your collection: click here

Please stop by to see the National Sculptors’ Guild members who are exhibiting in the 39th Annual Sculpture in the Park at Benson Park this Saturday and Sunday.
​
If you love sculpture, you’ll want to be in Loveland this weekend. This is one of the largest outdoor fine art sculpture shows in the nation. Check their website for details and get tickets to the Friday night Patron Party www.sculptureinthepark.org/show-information
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You’ll also see many other NSG member’s sculptures in the permanent collection at the Benson Sculpture Garden. We love Loveland’s art appreciation!

June has been full of coordinating the move out of Columbine Gallery and the Sculpture Garden, we're happy to share that JK Designs' made the move to home offices and we are excited about our renewed focus on our large-scale projects with the National Sculptors' Guild members artwork. So far, our dog's are the happiest about the move.

Alyson's office is already in use and Jujube is super happy with her new bed in the office.

We were all pleasantly pleased to see the Executive Desk Set fit into John's space. We'll update with a new pic of all the office accoutrements. It sets the tone for some great site designs and public art master planning to take place.

LOCAL NEWS
Five Questions: Alyson Kinkade, a lifetime in the arts


Columbine Gallery closing June 1

By PAMELA JOHNSON 
Loveland Reporter-Herald
May 7, 2023 at 8:00 p.m.




Alyson Kinkade has been creating art for, as she said, “as long as I can remember.”
​
The painter, who runs Columbine Gallery in Loveland with her dad, John Kinkade, is one of 62 artists with pieces in the Governor’s Art Show underway at the Loveland Museum, and dips her paintbrush into many different colors of the art world.

With the National Sculptor’s Guild, she helps place large sculptures in public art collections.

With the gallery, which is closing in June and transitioning to online only, she has provided a place for artists to display and sell their work, and for people to view a variety of different types of art.
​
With her paints, she creates a unique world for people to enjoy.

1. How did you first start as an artist? What is your specialty?
I have enjoyed creating art for as long as I can remember, with great art teachers throughout my primary schools in Greeley and Loveland, and a supportive family with creative friends even before my family started the art gallery. I grew up with encouragement to try all methods and materials that art can take form in, going to the Creative Arts Center all through elementary school.  …  My (junior high) art teacher was Dan Augenstein — we called him Auggie — who I later got to represent as an artist in our gallery. He’s also in the Governor’s Art Show. He specialized in ceramics at the time, so I created a series of ceramic animals that I then sold at Arts Picnic. Connie Einfalt and Laurie White were my art teachers at Loveland High and they were wonderful for exploring photography, sculpture and jewelry making, rare mediums to find at public schools. An enthusiastic art teacher makes a huge impact for a young creative and I’ve remained in contact with them. My junior year of high school I was fortunate enough to spend a summer at Interlochen Arts Camp, which helped me develop a portfolio to get a scholarship to attend the Kansas City Art Institute where I honed in on painting as my primary medium. Following graduation, I lived in Santa Fe where we had a second gallery at the time that I managed for a few years while also creating artwork; then returned to Loveland where I currently live, work and create.

My specialty is oil painting. I have a couple series right now, abstract landscapes and representational custom pet portraits. It’s nice to have the freeing intuitive work of the landscapes balanced by the tighter animal paintings. I love doing both.

2. What is your inspiration, in life and in art?
I am inspired by nature. I love to visually take in the expansive plains of Colorado with ever changing skies. I’m equally inspired by animals and helping groups who advocate for them. Proceeds from my ‘Happiness Is’ pet portrait series help me contribute to animal welfare organizations. I love to give back through my art.
The use of stacked colors in my landscape paintings represent one’s goals and ambitions laid out before them; and the sky is the space to contemplate new ideas. The horizon is where dreams and aspirations meet.

3. Describe the Governor’s Art Show. What makes it special? What is the draw for residents?
I am very proud to be juried in for my 10th time. It is wonderful to be part of such a unique show that gives back to the community through its sales. The 32nd Colorado Governor’s Art Show and Sale is one of the largest juried fine art shows in the state. It runs through June 11th at the Loveland Museum. …

What makes it so special is that it is truly is an “Art with Heart” exhibit, the show benefits Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs’ charitable projects and causes. One-third of the proceeds go to the Thompson Education Foundation’s Homeless Assistance Fund and additional funds go toward scholarships for local art students. Scholarship winners have a piece displayed in the show on the back wall. I have met them, and they are impressive young people with bright futures.

Since 2016, the Governor’s Art Show has had different jurors every year, and that makes each show so distinctive and shows off new artists purely by the aesthetic value of who juried. This makes the show fresh, diverse, and full of what Colorado artists are currently expressing. There are 62 artists on display. You will discover artists from all corners of the state, and there is something for everyone. … The caliber of artists in the show is unmatched. (https://governorsartshow.org)

​4. What is the history of Columbine Gallery? I understand that the physical gallery will be closing. Why and what are the plans for transitioning online? What will become of the building?
Yes, this is our final month of being open to the public as Columbine Gallery. …
My father (John Kinkade) founded the National Sculptors’ Guild in 1992 with a dozen sculptors who wished to find thoughtful public applications for their work. JK Designs is the design team that promotes and provides consultation for the Guild. Columbine Gallery was opened as a space to show the artwork by members of the National Sculptors’ Guild when cities and companies would come out to meet on large-scale commissions. We started out in a small space at 1032 Lincoln Ave. The gallery walls were used to showcase regional painters, and after moving to our current location 2683 N. Taft Ave., Columbine grew into one of Northern Colorado’s largest fine art galleries housing over 50 artists at one time, and the adjacent National Sculptors’ Guild Sculpture Garden filled with 85-100 sculptures year-round.

After 30 years, we have elected to refocus our time and energy on the National Sculptors’ Guild and placing large-scale artwork in commercial and public spaces. Many Lovelanders may be unaware that we have a full-scale public art business, placing over 550 significant monuments across the nation over the years. While we have thoroughly enjoyed working with art appreciators of all levels, the true passion has always been in the design team approach it takes to place great public art. That is how we started, and we are feeling it is time to devote ourselves to the Guild once again.

We will continue to sell much of the artwork online, (nationalsculptorsguild.com), which has become a popular choice among art collectors.  …

This transition to less show space also allows me to pursue more opportunities for my own artwork, and my father can continue to work on his philanthropic projects that often combine the arts and helping community. It has been a privilege to serve the community of Loveland and our amazing stable of artists over the years. We look forward to continuing to do so in a different capacity.

We are thrilled to see someone new take the space with new energy and ideas to make their own mark on this special art-filled city. The Taft Avenue gallery and garden will continue to showcase art as the new owner is currently working to open ‘par-a-dox fine arts’ this summer. There will be different artists and events that will renew the space with creative energy. It feels good that our legacy will continue in this way.

5. What are your favorite places to enjoy art in Loveland?
Columbine Gallery and Garden (through May), Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland Museum, Artworks, Artspace, Downtown Loveland (rotating sculptures and the growing mural collection) some of the local restaurants have fun rotating artwork (Muse, Verboten, Henry’s, West End) and occasionally I grab a blizzard at the Dairy Queen and enjoy seeing sculptures on loan there too. Loveland is full of great art and artists everywhere you go.

Bonus: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Dream big, put in the hours, seek out those who support your efforts, and give back when you can.

Alyson Kinkade
Years in Loveland: 26
Occupation: Artist, Director at Columbine Gallery and the National Sculptors' Guild

Pamela Johnson | Assistant Editor
Pamela Johnson is an award-winning journalist with two decades invested in the community of Loveland. She covers education, county government, environmental issues, outdoor recreation and whatever else she finds along the way. [email protected]  Follow Pamela Johnson @RHPamelaJ

Columbine Gallery’s Loveland location has served as headquarters and home to the National Sculptors’ Guild and its sculpture garden, featuring some of the country's finest sculptors, since 1992. One of the largest fine art sources in Northern Colorado, the gallery and adjacent NSG Sculpture Garden quickly became a destination spot leading to thousands of art placements, large and small, in collectors’ homes across the nation. The Father/Daughter owners wish to announce a direction shift to the public art side of their business. They are selling the gallery space to provide greater dedication to their large-scale placements than the events and exhibitions that make a gallery shine.
 
“We will continue to sell artwork online, which has become a popular choice among art collectors. This is particularly ideal when a collector is familiar with an artist or has worked with us in the past; they know the quality and take comfort in our 30 plus years of experience. This trust has been built over time, and we intend to care for our artists and collectors in the same manner we have from the start.” -Alyson Kinkade, co-owner and Project Manager for the National Sculptors’ Guild.
 
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with art appreciators of all levels, but the true passion has always been in the design team approach it takes to place great public art.” – John Kinkade, Executive Director of the National Sculptors’ Guild. “Many Lovelanders may be unaware that we have a full-scale public art business, placing over 500 significant monuments across the nation. But that was how we started, and we are feeling it is time to devote ourselves to the Guild once again.”
 
This transition to less show space also allows the Kinkade’s to pursue more of their own interests. Alyson plans to spend more time on her own artwork; and John will continue to work on special projects like serving as Co-Chair for the Colorado Governors’ Art Show, as well as other philanthropic projects that combine the arts and helping community.
 
“It has been a privilege to serve the community of Loveland, Colorado, and our amazing stable of artists over the years. We look forward to continuing to do so in a different capacity.” states John.
 
“Loveland will remain our home base, and we intend to be part of the art world for a long time to come.” Alyson adds. “We are thrilled to see someone new take the space with new energy and ideas to make their mark on this special art-filled city.” The gallery and garden at 2683 N. Taft Avenue will continue to showcase art as the new owner of the property has plans to open par-a-dox fine arts this summer. You’ll see changes already taking shape.
 
John continues, “We hope people reflect fondly of their experiences at Columbine Gallery, we will remember well the dinner parties we threw for hundreds of our patrons under tents in the garden, and special events like weddings; unique exhibitions; charity fundraiser receptions; afternoon meetings with artists on the balconies, and watching the fireworks being set off across Taft Avenue. We express gratitude to all who have been a part of making this beautiful space so special to our family and artists.”
 
Now is the time to redeem any gift certificates, or “Circle of Giving” coupon codes you may be holding onto. Columbine Gallery will remain open through May 31st with hopes to find homes for the amazing artwork that is on display. Shop online: columbinegallery.com/store or stop by the gallery through May 31st.
 
Learn more about our 500+ Public Art projects here: jk-designs-inc.com/project-feed
 
**Representing some of the nation’s leading sculptors, painters and fine artisans, Columbine Gallery and the National Sculptors’ Guild have consulted private and public collectors in the placement of fine art for the interior and exterior since 1992. The National Sculptors' Guild [NSG] is an association made up of its design team and nationally recognized sculptors chosen for their outstanding artistic abilities and varied style with the primary objective to conceive and seek out monumental placements for members' work. Artist Driven, Client Minded.
 
Proudly Representing Renowned Local and National Artists:
Sculptors: Gary Alsum, Craig Campbell, Tim Cherry, Dee Clements, Darrell Davis, Jane DeDecker, Clay Enoch, Edward Fleming, Daniel Glanz, Carol Gold Estate, Denny Haskew, Mark Leichliter, Joe Norman, Leo E. Osborne, Don Rambadt, Wayne Salge, Sandy Scott, Stephen Shachtman, Michael Warrick, and C.T. Whitehouse.
 
Painters and Artisans: Carolyn Barlock, James Biggers, Amelia Caruso, George Coll, Bob Coonts, Cathy Goodale, Don Hamilton, Lu Haskew Estate, Alyson Kinkade, Gary Miller, Jean Perry, Tony Pridham, Teresa Vito, Tal Walton, and the Roy Wilce Estate.

While we do find art to fuel the soul and be multi-sensory, we think smelling the flowers will work out better.... ​We've been enjoying the splash of colors throughout the National Sculptors' Guild garden.

We hope you stop by to smell the roses and enjoy the sculptures as well. Shop these pieces and add them to your garden. 

NSG Fellow, Jane DeDecker continues to amaze us with her recent monuments to women in Seneca Falls and now Estes Park. She is making history as she honors these historic figures, bringing to light the contributions of phenomenal women, sculpted by a phenomenal woman.

This link has some great pics of the artist and includes some connections to the subjects. https://www.eptrail.com/.../10/01/womens-monument-dedicated/
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By WENDY RIGBY | [email protected] | Estes Park Trail-Gazette
PUBLISHED: October 1, 2021 at 1:15 p.m. | UPDATED: October 4, 2021 at 10:57 a.m.

​On a chilly autumn afternoon, a large crowd gathered to participate in the dedication of the Estes Park Women’s Monument. The statues sit on a piece of land donated by the Town of Estes Park along the river walk. Twelve historical and current female leaders who have impacted the town’s rich heritage are honored in this newest public art installation.

“This was a widespread, grassroots effort,” said Ron Wilcocks, Chairman of the Estes Park Women’s Monument Committee. “Hundreds of people helped make it happen. The community came through in a big way.”

Speaking on behalf of the Estes Park Woman’s Club, Judy Schaffer commented, “These were not just ladies who sat around. They laid trails. They funded libraries. The supported the town as a community. They gave a legacy to the more contemporary women we are honoring.”

Members of the Town Board of Trustees were there, along with Mayor Wendy Koenig who is one of the 12 women honored in bronze sculpture.

​“This is a momentous occasion,” Koenig noted. “This monument makes visible the women who nurtured this community.”

Town Administrator Travis Machalek called the monument “long overdue.”
The centerpiece figure of the picture is Eleanor Hondius, an early female leader in Estes Park. Her son, 97-year-old Pieter Hondius who still lives in Estes Park, was on hand to see his mother honored in this lasting way.

“These were strong-minded, determined and focused women,” she said. “We owe a debt to these pioneers for what Estes Park is today.”

Noting that creating public sculptures is a “team sport,” DeDecker thanked all of the donors who collectively contributed more than $100,000 for the project. She also thanked the town employees who helped prepare the site and will keep it beautiful year round.

A brief virtual tour at the National Sculptors’ Guild Sculpture Garden showing Spring in Colorado.
Shop online if you see something you like
#BlueSkies #ArtAndFlowers #SculptureGarden #NSG #NationalSculptorsGuild #FeedYourCreativeSpirit 

The National Sculptors' Guild Fellows have elected Craig Campbell as an Associate Member, So we have new art to show and sell! His work is expressive and covers the gamut of subjects from strong and serious, to playful and imaginative; figurative or wildlife. We can't wait to see what new creations come from his studio. Shop his artwork online

Craig Campbell began sculpting more than 25 years ago and received his BFA in sculpture  from Wichita State University. To further his  goal to create figurative and representational  work, he began a rigorous program of self-study in the areas of human and animal anatomy,  movement, character, and proportion. He has created work for both commercial clients and fine art galleries, and his work has been commissioned by zoos and theme companies, toy companies, and the film industry, including  work for The Hobbit, Elysium and Mad Max. He  was a featured artist in the HISTORY channel’s  “Monument Guys” TV series. ​ learn more about Craig

What has NSG's Stephen Shachtman been up to during Stay-in-Place? Lots of new monolithic sculptures and some help from a couple of the cutest workers around. What can we say? some of our artists are taking a creative approach to home-schooling; we know hands-on learning can leave a life-long impression. Stephen's kids, Dov and Avi, are helping out with moving the artwork and clearing off Spring snows. Looks like they're doing an awesome job.!




Below are a few #WIP pieces he has in the works at his studio, If you see anything that interests you, please contact us for title scale and pricing. Most of Stephen's work is fabricated from Cor-Ten Steel, sometimes including areas of powder-coating for a pop of color. Check out his other available work here too. 

We plan to continue work and are available by phone and email for any questions or concerns. 

In-stock items are listed on our Online Store; plus you can place orders on items that require time for casting or fabrication. We're happy to provide 3-D views of artwork you're interested in.

We will also continue to post things on our social media outlets for some added beauty in your day. Feel free to share images of how you are #LivingWithArt with us. Or, send us ideas of what you'd like featured.

Our 45 artists are continuing to create amazing art, if you are able to support through collecting, we do hope you'll add a piece or two to enhance your space at this time. ​ Shop Here

We hope everyone continues to do their best to stay healthy and work on facing all the unknowns together.