2025 Sculptures

Mix Tape

"Pulled in all directions, the fragmented structures symbolize emotional upheaval, reflecting how grief distorts our sense of home, stability, and self. In Memory of Bridget Miller and Doug Botkin."

Matt Miller
Cape Girardeau, Missouri

45RPM

"'45 RPM' is a contemporary steel sculpture inspired by the nostalgia of vinyl records. I've always loved music, and growing up in the 1980s, 45 RPM singles were still a big part of the experience. The 45 RPM adapter, both as a practical tool and a cultural symbol, has always fascinated me."

Joel Washing
Toledo, Ohio

Mayor's Choice

Autumn Melody

"Years ago, I got the idea for three children playing musical instruments. Autumn Melody the young girl playing the violins the first of the three. Hopefully in the future you will be seeing a boy playing the clarinet and a girl playing the flute"

James Haire
Fort Collins, Colorado

Vortex of Form

"'Vortex of Form - with golden proportion, this tensegrity piece represents paths of minimum energy of particles transitioning between linear and rotational motion."

Elton Bishop/ Linzie Tuck
Fort Wayne, Indiana

InspirationAward

Thrills

"There are many things in life that can be thrilling to us. For me, fishing has been one that has brought me many exciting moments. Other examples could be holding your first child, the initial drop on a fast roller coaster, or sitting in the woods, listening to the birds sing. 'Thrills' invites you to reflect on what stirs your soul and to continue pursuing them."

Jim Perrine
New Knoxville, Ohio

Rocking Land Bouy with Lights

"Rocking Land Buoy with Lights is a guidance in motion for Life's Journey"

Charles Yost
Morrison, Illinois

Ikarian Tendrils

"Iconic and timeless, we stretch toward the sky, yearning for the caress of wind on our faces and the tender green sustenance that fuels our existence."

Craig Snyder
Plymouth, Minnesota

Shine

"This whimsical sculpture transforms everyday plastic objects—spatulas, serving forks, eyeglass frames, and dinosaur toy parts—into a contemplative hen. Unlike my typical wild animal sculptures that emphasize dynamic movement, this piece explores the serene presence of a farmyard creature frozen in a moment of peaceful openness."

Sayaka Ganz
Fort Wayne, Indiana

They Call Me Mr. Pigg

"This is a demonstration piece done during a series of historical festivals during the summer of 2024. The subject was suggested by an 8-year-old, day one of the first festival. I hope she and her family stop by to see the results ... and maybe smile."

"Doc" Dr. Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD Gregory Mendez
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I Beam

"I looked at my rusty pile of metal and the lightning bolt of inspiration struck me! I welded up the parts and added motion light that illuminates a bright light when someone crosses in front of it."

Mike Helbing
Limestone, Tennessee

Apparitions Redux

"Apparitions can be our aspirations and inspirations for our journey through life"

Charles Yost
Morrison, Illinois

Committee Choice

Beneath a Cold Moon

"When I started studying sculpture, a howling wolf was one of the first sculptures that I made using clay. I thought it would be fun to revisit the form in a more permanent medium."

Gregory Mendez
Decatur, Indiana

Once Around The Block

"This sculpture really moves some air."

Andrew Arvanetes
Kankakee, Illinois

Best of Show

Sources

"'Sources is built from scrap shapes left over from earlier projects by reimagining once-overlooked pieces into something new. By welding them together, the process reflects my experience growing up with dyslexia—learning to find connection, new meaning, and strength in what's often missed, and discovering the beauty in transforming it into something new."

Cecelia Moseley
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Treble & Bass

"Life, like music, is a blend of highs and lows. The treble clef, soaring upwards, represents the joyful moments while the bass clef represents the challenging low moments in our lives. Just as a musical composition requires both treble and bass, life requires a balance of joy and sorrow to complete our symphony."

Dale Compton
Chehalis, Washington

Deep Emergence

"A metal monstrosity from the deep"

Alex Mendez
Decatur, Indiana

Here Be Dragons

"Old maps had dragons in the empty spots. Today those dragons live in the block of our creative passions."

Craig Snyder
Plymouth, Minnesota

People's Choice

The Space Between

"In the midst of that which is heavy, unyielding and firm a little space may offer a sense of lightness and relief."

Jennifer Meyer
Lansing, Illinois

Diversity Conversation 1

"Diversity has become taboo according to the current regime. So, let's drive them crazy and keep the Diversity Conversation going and find our common ground!"