We just installed Denny Haskew's last available casting of "White Deer of Autumn" at Gurley Hall on the UNM-Gallup campus. We absolutely love this sculpture in this space. The patina against the backdrop of adobe walls and blue skies is dynamic and she feels at home.

The project was guided by New Mexico Arts as part of their Art in Public Places initiative. We loved working with everyone involved in making this placement a success. Special Thanks to Corry with Better Built Construction Services for pouring the footing and assisting with the installation. 
​
Learn about what inspired this sculpture... click here

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

Like Craig Campbell's "Dragon Cowgirl" may you ride into this year with adventurous confidence and courage and an abundance of smiles and laughter.

While it is the Year of the Wood Dragon - we feel it's ok to celebrate with some bronze, make this incredible sculpture part of your collection and take advantage of the introductory price in place... 

The Wood Dragon year comes once every 60 years. The dragon is associated with incredible strength, positive transformation, and challenges. And, the element wood, symbolizes creativity and adaptability. What a wonderful year we have ahead!

The National Sculptors' Guild wishes you safety, good spirit and peace wherever you go. Happy New Year!

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

The National Sculptors' Guild is saddened to hear that former Guild member, Sharles, passed away on Sunday, he was 83. Flora and Fauna were his subject matter, he explored it for decades in every media and method. As collectors of the eccentric artist know, his love for nature lives on in each one of his sculptures, paintings and textiles. Some favorites were his earthy Ikebana Series and the vibrant Classical Vases formed of Iris and daffodils; frogs, lizards and dragonflies often found their way into a composition.

We represented Sharles from 1994-2008, showing his art in our galleries in Colorado and New Mexico. We placed hundreds of his vessels and smaller works, as well as a number of large-scale bas-reliefs. Our largest placement through the Guild came in 2001 when we installed "The Amaryllis Fountain" in 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. Click here to see more of this project. We are pleased that people will continue to enjoy his unique vision of the world through his art.

BIOGRAPHY:
Sharles was born in Italy of American parents on their honeymoon while visiting European relatives. The family was forced to sit out the war in Britain, and when the war ended, traveled home. But the transition to post-war United States was not an easy one. His parents divorced, leaving a 5 year-old Sharles to be raised by various relatives in a sparse ranching/farm environment of Colorado and Wyoming.
This early childhood led Sharles to believe he was born in that rural area for most of his adult life.  His parents wanted to forget, and erase all memories of the war experiences and lacking the long lost Italian birth papers enrolled him in school via borrowed credentials and name of a near cousin. Art collectors, artists, friends, and the world,  only know him today by his signature and professional art name of  “SHARLES”.
At the age of 10, his Boston grandmother removed him from the Midwest, not wanting her grandson to become a cowboy. She was a stylish, sophisticated widow, self-made businesswoman who was a very successful art and antique dealer to wealthy East Coast collectors.
Sharles spent his teens immersed in the totally different world of Boston and foreign travel, art museums, and his grandmother’s art business.  He assisted his grandmother in her antique store, and on buying trips to India, France, Italy, China, and Japan. In addition to his own cultural heritage of English, French, and Italian art,  he  was immersed in  many other cultures and educated about the antiques and decorative arts associated with his grandmother’s business.
His grandmother was a passionate collector of art and loved flowers.  These were common interests shared with her best friend, Grace Wedgwood who was related to the famous English Wedgwood pottery family.  Grace Wedgwood was Sharles’ Godmother. These two loving guardians took an active role in his education, privately tutoring him on trains, ocean liners, and in hotel rooms. Sharles received a rare education in the techniques, forms, and artistic values of the decorative arts that were intrinsic to the famed Wedgwood pottery.  Both his grandmother and godmother were dedicated collectors of Wedgwood, oriental bronzes, porcelains, flower paintings, Italian and French art.  These experiences constituted a rich and enduring art education that in time were major influences in his art.
The daily contact with art and flowers became embedded in Sharles’ psyche, and would later come to his aid and ultimate rescue. In 1982 he suffered a serious car accident in Loveland, Colorado, a small farming community. Left as a semi-invalid with almost total amnesia, Sharles struggled to recover. He was stranded, not knowing his past, home, or friends.
While recovering in Loveland, which had a small bronze foundry, Sharles began observing some of the local sculptors, George Lundeen, Fritz White, Danny Ostermiller, Glenna Goodacre, and Kent Ullberg. He gradually began picking up sculpting techniques and learned the casting process. At first, Sharles created the type of western images that were being produced by the other local artists: Indians, eagles, buffaloes, and other western genre.
But one auspicious day while sculpting, Sharles surrendered to the intense pressures of his unremembered past. His subconscious adoration of flowers, plants and nature, so strongly instilled by his deceased grandmother, became dominant themes. These memories were his inspiration in creating functional and decorative arts as he discarded the local, popular art trends.
Not knowing if it could even be done, Sharles began experimenting with creating iris flowers in soft wax.  He attempted to sculpt delicate flower shapes with wet clay techniques, as the Wedgwood potters had done.  Sharles attached these flowers to functional forms, creating extraordinary floral vases, candlesticks, elaborate candelabras, bowls and other types of vessels.  The inspiration of his sculptural style remained a mystery to Sharles for many years as it had all flowed so effortlessly from his mind through his hands.
The bronzes were finished with patinas that were bright natural colors of greens, golds, pinks, and purples that seemed to surprise and even shocked the art world.  So much so, that major galleries were afraid of the purple, blue green patinas and reluctant to show them, having no sales record by which to judge them. After all, their collectors were buying traditional wildlife and Western art in the customary French-brown patina.
In 1987 Sharles was accepted into the 3rd Annual Loveland Sculpture in the Park Show.  At that time, it was a small event organized by local peer artist, George Lundeen, Dan Ostermiller, George Walbye, Fritz White, and Hollis Wilford. It has since become the most important national sculpture show in the United States.  For 23 years, Sharles has participated in this annual juried show of nationally, celebrated sculptors.
Sharles continued to add to his decorative portfolio, waiting for the right gallery to represent him. Finally, Pam Driscoll, of the Driscoll Gallery, saw this new work at the SCULPTURE IN THE PARK art show.  Famous wildlife sculptor Sandy Scott was instrumental in convincing Pam to show his work in her aspen gallery and with hesitation, agreed to show four or five pieces in her gallery.  She was astonished when all five bronzes sold as they were being unpacked. Women particularly loved the colorful, decorative bronzes. Word spread of the immediate sales in Driscoll Gallery, and Sharles soon had more galleries contacting him for his floral decorative work than he could handle.
In 1990, Sharles was one of the many highly talented sculptors from Loveland invited to participate in the Continental Airline’s Sculpture Showcase; a show that would tour the major international airports across the United States for three years. This event exhibited the top sculptors from Loveland: Kent Ullberg, George Lundeen, Fritz White, Hollis Wilford, Steve Kestrel, and other promising artists; adding sculptors as it progressed through the country. Sharles was delegated with the honor of sculpting a bronze centerpiece for the opening night. With the loosely stated theme of “flight”, the requested sculpture seemed of little significance in light of the high caliber of art being showcased. With only three weeks to complete, it was an inspired rush-job. The centerpiece created was a 5 1/2 foot totem-like structure of turtles, iguanas, and birds, crowned with the head of a Native American. The sculpture symbolized man learning the principles of flight from gliding sea turtles, and birds that had evolved from dinosaurs and reptiles. The piece, “Evolution of Flight,” was so successful opening night that it was given a place in the traveling sculpture show. This showstopper, exotic piece, amazed and awed viewers, but none more so, than the airline that had anticipated seeing a French-brown eagle, or some historical rendition of Kitty Hawk.
Both the “Evolution of Flight” sculpture and the traveling show solidified the career of Sharles as a professional sculptor, almost over night.  He had embarked on both projects as a totally unknown artist and had revealed just a tip of the iceberg. 
Sharles was invited into the National Sculptors' Guild in 1994, helping him to place his artwork publicly in large-scale for the first time in Palm Desert, California later that year. He showed his iris-clad bronze vessels and bas-reliefs and fountains, each full of creatures hidden in the leaves in the Guild's galleries in Loveland, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico and in 1996 the March issue of Southwest Art Magazine published a sizeable article followed by a similar piece in May/June 1998 Art of the West Magazine; further putting Sharles on the map. Sharles is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists at that time.
In 2000, the National Sculptors' Guild's proposal of Sharles' Amaryllis Fountain was selected by the City of  Cerritos; a major public art installation for the civic plaza near their new public library. The final design was a bronze of a giant, red amaryllis flower and purple lotus flowers incorporated into a 16-foot multi-piece water fountain.  This included sculptures of amaryllis flowers, lotus flowers, lilly pads and oversized frog, swan, gold fish and turtle in the completed fountain that was installed near the new library in 2001.
In 2006, Sharles was selected by the City of Loveland, Colorado to place two, circular, 32″ bas-reliefs of California quail, pear cacti, lizards, sunflowers, and birds for placement in the famous Benson Park Sculpture Garden.  In 2008, he was again commissioned by the High Plains Arts Council to sculpt a small 12″ x 12″ bas relief for the 25th anniversary of Sculpture in the Park Show. The sculpture, “The Music of Spring,” is installed in Benson Park as part of the permanent city of Loveland art collection
Despite serious attempts to attend various academic art schools, those intentions never seemed to be a realistic option.  In time, art schools no longer seemed necessary, as Sharles had become a successful, self-taught artist/sculptor, learning skills the hard way, by observation, and trial and error.
He is a self-taught sculptor and oil painter, having drawn in pastels from an early age.  His love of color is evident in his patinas and still lifes of flowers, fruit, parrots, and small wildlife. His paintings and sculptures share similar themes. Sharles inherited his grandmother’s love of flowers, continually creating beautiful art for the sake of beauty. In addition to sculpting & painting, Sharles is a product designer of pillow, stationary, household items, coffee mugs  and a digital artist, nature photographer, in general a computer geek.

Congratulations to NSG Charter Member Mark Leichliter on his recent installation with the City of Loveland Art in Public Places for the Olde Course of Loveland Clubhouse. “Ace” looks amazing and we’re looking forward to seeing it in person.

Attend the Dedication 4 pm Thursday, September 21st at 2115 W 29th Street, Loveland, CO 80538

“Ace!” consists of the stylized representation of a golf ball rolling into the cup, in a stop-motion style of four frames. The artwork is fabricated from stainless steel sheet metal, with two distinctive surface finishes to add contrast and create a sense of dimension.

These furry friends are eager to see one of their favorite people, the veterinarian! Yes, it can mean a few pokes and prods, but a visit to the clinic brings a lot of treats and ear rubs too. An introductory offer is now available for Craig Campbell's "Vet Visit" in two sizes, 9" or 26" high.

Pictured here in clay, the cat and dog pair will be cast in limited edition museum-quality bronze.

Know a vet that could use this piece?? customize the label on the cushion in gratitude for a favorite animal care-giver or clinic.

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
​
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!

On this #NationalNativeAmericanDay we highlight Potawatomi artist, Denny Haskew.

'Strength of the Maker right from its title... to the strength shown even in the toes, is a statement of how I view my very inner belief. Nature and all things natural have always been of the utmost importance to me all my life. Believing in, the Great Spirit, Buddha, Mohammed, the Mysterious One, is important. I feel they all exude the same message; a life of oneness, of love, of honesty and a source of emotional strength. Strength of the Maker is my visual version of how I see my Maker.' -DH

This powerful monumental bronze of a Native American preparing their bow is on permanent display in the Native American Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Other prominent placements of the edition include the Gilcrease Museum, OK; the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA; Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum, Bastian, VA; Briscoe Western Art Museum, TX; Flagstaff, AZ; Grand Junction, CO; Cerritos, CA; and Canyon City, CO; and private collections. "Strength of the Maker" has won five best of show / first place prizes in the top art shows in the country.

Only one remains from the limited edition of 21, add it to your collection: click here

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/
​
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.

We had a wonderful time hosting lunch for the Booth Western Art Museum Collector’s Tour of Colorado.

The group filled two 40-passenger buses with art appreciators from around the nation. We also had several of our artists meet with the collectors in the National Sculptors’ Guild sculpture garden.

The tour included several Loveland artist studios and gardens. We were happy to give them some nourishment before their next artful stop.

As you can see we lucked out with a beautiful Colorado Fall day. Our chimenea warmed us up as the wind picked up, but the rain stayed off.

#BoothMuseum #boothmuseumofwesternart #BoothMuseumCollectorsTour #SteamboatArtMuseum #ArtTour #ArtCollectorsAreOurPeople #ArtfulFallDay #Colorado #Loveland #ILiveLoveland #NationalSculptorsGuild #NSG #SculptureGarden
#ArtandFlowers #MastiffWithCookies #FeedYourCreativeSpirit #BlueSkyDay #ArtCollectors

Lots of new Jane DeDecker sculpture was just added to our online store front. New 2020 pieces, plus more classics. ​

Now is the time to beautify your surroundings with these timeless expressions of the human condition. They both touch on our everyday moments and pay homage to great strives in history. Family connections and individual’s internal journeys. There is something relatable for everyone in these beautiful sculptures.

​Enter code: HappyFriday for a special incentive! You made it another week!!  Celebrate with new art for your collection.

#ArtWorthCollecting #JaneDeDecker #ColumbineGallery #Bronze #Sculpture #Home #Garden #Office #LiveWithArt #FeedYourCreativeSpirit #ContemporaryFigurative #FineArt #DeDeckerSculpture #HappyFriday #SalesCode

NSG Fellow Tim Cherry has just released a new sculpture "Beaver Retriever", click here to order at a special introductory price and be among the first to add this gorgeous statement of grace and beauty of nature to your fine art collection. 

Special introductory price offering through June 30, 2020 - enter code PREDORDER at checkout

Gary Alsum's grandson, Trevor, gave a hands-on critique about filling in the negative spaces of "Tried and True" the Veteran's Memorial commissioned by the University of Central Oklahoma. 

The piece will go through the bronze casting process soon thanks to Trevor's help.

Hopefully he doesn't charge too high. 







#InsideTheStudio #GaryAlsum #WIP  #TriedAndTrue #UCO 

New pieces are underway at NSG Fellow Sandy Scott's studio. She rarely slows down creating new work, and we aren't surprised that the health crisis isn't stopping her. 

The pieces shown here in clay can be pre-ordered from our special section on our online store. These are listed with introductory pricing, with a $400 savings! so, it's truly a great time to add this renowned wildlife artist to your collection, if you are able.

Sandy's foundry in Lander, WY is currently open at a reduced staff, so please expect 8-12 weeks for the bronze casting time from the time of your order. With your Sales Code "PREORDER", shipping is free!

"Dos Amigos", and "Earitated" speak to our little Springtime buddies that I'm sure you're all seeing hopping about yards.
"Dos Amigos"  11 1/2 W x 7 1/2 D x 12 H - size includes oval walnut base; Ed/50. click here to purchase
"Earitated"   9 3/4 W x 6 1/2 D x 6 H - size includes oval walnut base; Ed/50. click here to purchase

 "The New Puppy".  The narrative speaks for itself . . . it is an old dog laying next to a new puppy that's asleep.  Trish and I got a new Scottish Terrier puppy 3 weeks ago and we have an old bird dog.  While the breeds are not the same as the sculpture . . . the sentiment is. Maybe many of you have new pups during this Stay-At-Home time and can relate.
"The New Puppy" 13 1/2 W x 7 1/2 D x 4 3/4 H - size includes oval walnut base. Ed/50. click here to purchase

Thank you for #KeepingOurArtistsCreating #StaySafe #ArtAppreciatorsAreOurFavoritePeople