2023 Sculptures

Lifted

Lifted

In this modern world, where we constantly feel more connected through advancements in technology, I believe that we are simultaneously disconnected as a result of these devices. By using public art as a vehicle for expressing contemporary issues concerning communication we can discover how to better communicate to world around us.

Nathan Pierce
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Gnome Sweet Gnome

Gnome Sweet Gnome

This traditional hand-carved Walnut; piece is modeled from a carving for my wife long ago. There was a large knot near the right leg.  I recalled the sculpture that Dean Butler, a Decatur (Belmont HS) Art Teacher had done of Johnny Appleseed for Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne.  It had a raccoon in the same place.  The hound is homage to this local inspirational artist.

Doc - Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD
Huntington, Indiana
Grandpa S

Grandpa S

Grandpa S is a sculpture fabricated in creative play and influenced by the figures that were present in those younger times.

Matt Miller
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Bird's Eye View

Bird's Eye View

 A bird’s eye view from his spring time perch as he watches the flowers bloom below. 

Clark Martinek
Mitchell, South Dakota
Blue Zig Zag

Blue Zig Zag

Typically, I don't use color in my sculpture but the nature of this series cried-out for it! This piece is a duplicate from a series of five pieces made for a park that reflects the Polish history of the neighborhood in Toledo. With this series I decided to experiment with the application of vinyl wraps instead of a complicated paint scheme.

Ken Thompson
Blissfield, Michigan
Colussus

Colussus

My sculptures have always been object-oriented. The interpretation of my work may not be the same as the intended narrative. More importantly, the viewer should be able to feel a connection based on their own personal experiences. I attempt to achieve this connection with my audience by utilizing universal visual details. These details and symbols combine with the overall form to create the visual aesthetic. Because of my formal approach to fabrication, rational functionality might be expected. On the contrary, the combination of physical scale, personal references and visual details often results in a whimsical and absurd reality.

Andrew Arvanetes
Kankakee, Illinois
Embrace

Embrace

This hand forged iron sculpture depicts the power of unity. When you Embrace something it’s hard to let go. 

Clark Martinek
Mitchell, South Dakota
Tweet Kids

Tweet Kids

Two youngsters meet to satisfy their curiosity. This piece is made entirely of forks, knives and spoons. Making things like this help us stay young at heart. We hope it helps you too.

Gary Hovey/ Jim Perrine
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People's Choice
Green Gill #2

Green Gill #2

An experiment in combining aluminum, steel
and a non metallic epoxy blend (of herbs and spices).

Greg Summers
Fremont, IN
Mayor's Choice
Soccer Mom's Dream

Soccer Mom's Dream

Commissioned by a family. Sculpture of their daughter. She was a soccer superstar!

James Haire
Fort Collins, Colorado
Keep it Together

Keep it Together

“Keep it together”, that is what bricklaying did for my family for at least 3 generations. This sculpture pays homage to that history going back to my Great grandfather Lloyd, who during the prohibition was imprisoned for bootlegging alcohol. During his years in prison he was taught a trade to help him get a job and make money [a legal way] when he got out. However, while he was incarcerated his children were separated into foster homes. Upon getting out he began to lay bricks to earn money. And he was only able to get his eldest son (my grandfather) back. Later my grandfather Vic, worked with his father and eventually took over the business. My grandfather was able to make a living laying bricks, enough to raise a family of his own. Both of his sons at one time worked with him as hod carriers, but it was his middle son Steve (my father) who took up the business and raised his family making a living this way. So, for 3 generations the redemptive skills learned back in the 1920’s were passed on from father to son etc… allowing each generation to raise a family and “keep it together”. I even worked for a year as my father’s hod carrier. I would have been the 4th generation- but I had another calling…

The two pieces share an angle of their roofline. One could look and think it is a house “split apart”, and in some ways it is. Another view is a comment on housing trends: Bricks are permanent and have no maintenance, and people choose to cover them up with other siding materials or paint (which requires maintenance). So the bricked faces seem to be exposed from underneath the exterior facade of inferior products- in some kind of irony.

Thank you for taking time to read this.

Benjamin Pierce
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Mike's Beautiful Flower

Mike's Beautiful Flower

I was passing by my stainless stash one day when magic happened. I looked over and in my mind's eye a beautiful flower grew and went toward the studio ceiling. I plucked it and potted it in mind dust and it continued grow. It reached its full height and the flower started to shine with the power of the reflected sun. I looked at it and said to myself "I like it'.

 

Mike Helbing
Limestone, Tennessee
The Guardians: Nesting Herons

The Guardians: Nesting Herons

This sculpture is Mixed Media: metal work (by Greg), and traditionally carved walnut logs (by Doc). This is our 1st collaboration. Note the litter in the nest; a sad reality in most today.

"Doc" Dr. Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD Gregory Mendez
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Best of Show
Panel Installation

Panel Installation

Growing up, my mind often returns to the difficulty I had with learning. These 2 seven foot tall panels are plasma cut statements reflecting on my struggle with dyslexia. The graffiti-like painted letters on the surface are created as a distraction for the viewer to have a hard time with reading the plasma cut script. Struggling to read, the viewer feels how hard it is for a dyslexic person to read.

Cecelia Moseley
Meridian, Mississippi
Persistance

Persistance

"When life presents perceived insurmountable challenges, you will overcome them with persistence!” 

Charles Yost
Chicago, Illinois
Red Tail Lantern

Red Tail Lantern

This sculpture depicts a hawk perched on a lamp post. Viewing the sculpture from different perspectives will give the impression of movement throughout the wings.

Gregory Mendez
Decatur, Indiana
Rise and Fall

Rise and Fall

As we move through life there are paths we can choose that help us climb to the top but if we make a wrong move we might get sent backwards.  The good thing about set-backs is that it gives us a chance to climb back up, taking a different path and experiencing new opportunities along the way.

Dale Compton
Kasota, MN
Committee Choice
Self-Censored

Self-Censored

"Be mindful of what you say"

Alex Mendez
Decatur, Indiana
Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring

You know its spring when the butterflies dance.

Clark Martinek
Mitchell, South Dakota
Stalk 1005/2RE/H400-4

Stalk 1005/2RE/H400-4

Stalk 1005/2RE/H400-4 is a continuation of an existing series of works that explore chance encounters with the many forgotten industrial relics that dot our nation’s rural landscape. Created of both fabricated and found objects, Stalk 1005/2RE/H400-4 explores the industrialization of our food, crops and the land from which they grow.

Matt Moyer
Columbia, MO
Summers Delight

Summers Delight

"Summer's Delight" is made up of 10 Mobius and non-Mobius sculptures in a puzzle-like format, with each piece being touchable and removable. "Summer's Delight" is especially geared for children to enjoy interaction with art and also for educational entertainment. Can you detect which pieces are a Mobius and which are not?

Curtis Rose
Decatur, Indiana
Take it Easy

Take it Easy

We work and we work and we work. Sometimes it's better to lean back and relax. A traveling group of troubadours many years ago summed it up nicely, “Take it Easy.”

Craig Snyder
Plymouth, Minnesota
InspirationAward
The Boys in the Band

The Boys in the Band

Meet the Fabulous Gnomads. What started as a present for my wife during shelter-in-place got out of control and ended up as a whole swing band. As much fun to make as I hope it is to see. If it brings a smile, I win.  

Doc - Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD
Huntington, Indiana
Triumverate

Triumverate

These three friends really enjoy hanging out together.

Craig Snyder
Plymouth, Minnesota
Galene

Galene

As with most of my pieces, influenced by travel, this time it's Greece.

Neil J. Wiffill
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Square One

Square One

A study in continuous lines

Alex Mendez
Decatur, Indiana
The Secret

The Secret

I observed two young girls sharing a secret. Thought it would make a cute sculpture.

James Haire
Fort Collins, Colorado
Digital Ruin

Digital Ruin

Piece influenced by Italian Graffiti

Gregory Mendez & Neil Wiffill
Fort Wayne & Decatur, IN

Titanium Sponsors

Adams County Community Foundation
Arts United / Indiana Arts Commission
Indiana Arts Commission
Porter Family Foundation

Platinum Sponsors

City of Decatur
Decatur Arts Commission
Hoosier Pattern Inc

Gold Sponsors

Adams Memorial Hospital
Adams Public Library System (In Kind
Ambassador Enterprises
Berne Ready Mix
Complete Printing Service
John Brune Digital Video
Terry & Anita Myers