Pacific Northwest Sculptors

Sculptors share knowledge and resources

President's Message

Tour of Firebird Bronze

Our meeting on October 27 was a major milestone for PNWS. It was our first face-to-face meeting in over a year and a half. Over 20 attended in person, another dozen via Zoom. We had our usual tech glitches, but we got it done.

Our presentation by Rip Caswell at Firebird Bronze was outstanding. Also participating was Chad Caswell of Firebird 3D and Will Amber at Indigo Metal Fabrication. It was information rich, visually stimulating and incredibly inspiring. The three businesses compliment each other to produce outstanding sculptures for artists across the country. It was encouraging to see so many members attending a real event again. The networking session after the presentation felt like old times.

Many thanks to our board members who helped make this happen. Dave Frei organized and promoted the event. Terri Elioff worked the second camera, welcomed nonmembers and made everyone feel comfortable. Andy Kennedy also sparked conversations and made introductions. It was reassuring to see a room full of animated conversations.  At some point, we will all be comfortable meeting and networking as before. Until then, our real challenge continues – to stay connected.

When the pandemic began, I estimated we might lose 20% of our members. Networking is our greatest member benefit. Without that interaction, our value is compromised. We have, in fact, lost about 20%. through our new website and the success of our recent virtual exhibit, we gained 7 new members in the past two months. We are on a positive trajectory.

Chas Martin

President’s Message: New Show Opportunities for PNWS Members

We have several excellent show opportunities taking shape: Newport Visual Arts Center, Oregon Society of artists, and Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River.

In September 2017, we mounted a juried exhibit at the Newport Visual Arts Center. It was an impressive collection of work by our members. We have been invited to produce another show at this excellent facility next year. Oregon Society of Artists has also expressed interest in a sculpture show. This will be our first show collaboration with them. It’s another excellent opportunity to share work and attract new members. Finally, we have initiated discussion with Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River for a show.

We need your support as these opportunities take shape. Shows, especially the out of town exhibits, require a number of volunteers. We have done this before. We have documented the necessary tasks. We have over a dozen volunteers interested in organizing shows. What we need: Three teams, one for each show; One leader for each team; One Show Coordinator to oversee dates, documentation and details. The team concept will distribute the time commitment fairly. The rewards outweigh the responsibilities.

2019 ISC - PNWS -4
Pacific Northwest Sculptors and Northwest Stone Sculptors Association show in 2019 at ArtReach Gallery included 40 sculptures.

We all benefit from these events. In the past, volunteers who helped create, transport and set up shows have enjoyed participation, camaraderie and connections made through their efforts. We need your commitment asap so we can move plans forward for next year. Contact Chas Martin to help us return to high profile public exhibits.

PNWS Members Lead Local Sculpture Activities

PNWS members are sharing their knowledge, selling work, earning commissions and recruiting students through a series of local activities. Here are some highlights.

York as it appeared earlier this year.

Following the recent vandalism of the York sculpture at Mt. Tabor Park, Julian Voss-Andreae offered to raise funds to cast the bust in bronze as a gift to the city. We have had multiple communications among our board, Libby Carruth (who assisted the anonymous artist), Kristen Calhoun at RACC, Director Long of Portland Parks and Recreation, and City Commissioner Carmen Rubio. A more thorough and coordinated strategy is in the works. It is likely we will have a role in its outcome. It is too soon to know what form that may take. This is a great opportunity for PNWS to provide a real service to our community. It raises our visibility and could open new doors for our group and our members. If interested in participating, contact me.

We will have a demo booth at Art in the Pearl on Labor Day weekend. We have been part of this event every year! While promoting sculpture and PNWS activities, our volunteers have benefited from sales, commissions and gained new students. PNWS usually recruits a few new members as well. Thanks to demonstrators Andy Kennedy, Russ Ford, Jonas Hartley, Phil Seder and Tony Furtado. Thanks also to Carole Murphy for keeping us engaged. She moved to a supportive role this year for health reasons. If you want to help, contact Andy.

We are returning to the Troutdale Festival of the Arts on September 18 and 19. This is another event where our participating members have enjoyed sharing their work and techniques. The public has reciprocated with purchases and support for our artists. Thanks to participants Marlena Nielsen, Rocky Jaeger, Sue Quast, Jonas Hartley and Andy Kennedy for representing PNWS at this event. If you want to help, contact Andy.

A few names recur in these activities. I’m always grateful for their dedication. They understand the reciprocal benefit to being actively involved. Your knowledge also has value! Artists and non-artists can learn from what you know. A small investment of your time helps us fulfill our educational mission and increases your accessibility. Most of our activities are the result of contributions from about 25% of our members. With such a diverse group, what you could contribute is probably not duplicated by anyone else. Contact Andy to discuss ideas and possibilities. We’ll all benefit from your generosity.