December, 2004

Happy Holidays!!!

So just like that we are closing in on the middle of the decade … where does the time go? I recently attended the International Sculpture Center’s Symposium in New Orleans and reconnected with many old friends and sculptors from other parts of the country. I found it revitalizing to make this reconnection to the “bigger world” of sculpture, which helps me to visualize Arizona Bronze as something more than a small art facility in Tempe, AZ.

The speakers included Albert Paley, Antony Gormley, Bruce Beasley, John T. Scott, among many others. The topics included New Technologies/New Vistas, Defining Sculpture, The Eccentric in Art and even an Estate Planning session. The lectures were held at the Contemporary Arts Center, with an opening reception at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. I was hoping to tour the Louisiana ArtWorks facility, which was scheduled to be open. Unfortunately, the facility is a bit behind in construction, so maybe on my next trip to New Orleans. I was part of the “Think Tank” planning session in 1996. This multi-use facility will serve as offices for the major arts organizations of New Orleans & Louisiana on the upper floor, private studios for artists, and a working art foundry, glass blowing studio, ceramic studio and printmaking studio. There will also be a gallery and restaurant on the ground floor. This is an excellent example of a fusion of functions to create excitement and interest for cultural destination marketing.

Arizona Bronze Fine Arts Atelier continues with exciting new projects as we wrap up 2004. We have completed the second “Rearing Back” a 12 ft. l x 6 ft. h x 3 ft. d sculpture for Ed Mell of Phoenix, AZ, and will be starting on “St. Peter”, a 1 ¼ x life-size figure for Studio Productions of Tempe, AZ before the end of the year. We are also in the process of casting a life-size “Deer” for Susanna Holt, this is one of several large scale sculptures for her latest commission. We are producing “Chinese Circle” a 12 ft. diameter sculpture for Bob Wick of Sierra Vista, AZ. This will be added to his Botanical Garden series, which most recently has shown in Dallas, TX.

There are many exciting projects in the works, I will update this column as they become reality. I am also developing the “next step” for Arizona Bronze. It is my experience that a business, like any human endeavor or relationship, does not remain static for long. As the goal of building a brand-new custom facility has been put aside, I am developing plans for a new set of goals to keep the positive business momentum. I will also share these developments as the they unfold.

As the year closes, I would like to take a moment to offer sincere thanks and gratitude to all of our long-time clients. Additionally, we would like to extend appreciation to the talented and passionate sculptors who have joined AZ Bronze this past year.

We look forward to building and continuing long and mutually beneficial relationships with all of you! Thanks for your confidence in and support for Arizona Bronze!

Last, but not least, I want to share photos of the completed sculptures from our “AZB Artisan Publishing Project”. Although this has taken some time to complete, Jeff Carol Davenport’s “Over the Rainbow”, Christian Emerson Bell’s “Standing Emission” and Jeff Wilson’s “Copia” are all results of our ‘in-house” competition as juried by Kate O’Mara, former Arts Administrator at City of Mesa and now instructor at Chandler/Gilbert Community College, Jody Ulich, Arts Administrator with the City of Tempe, and myself. Jeff Carol’s “Over the Rainbow” is presently being shown at the City of Mesa’s Sculpture in the Streets exhibition, Christian’s “Standing Emission” is presently exhibited at G2 Gallery in Scottsdale, and Jeff Wilson’s “Copia” will be shown in Jeff’s exhibitions at G2 Gallery in Scottsdale and Craighead-Green Gallery in Dallas.

Thanks again for your continued support, have a Great Holiday Season and a Successful and Prosperous New Year!!

Tom Bollinger
Sculptor
Managing Owner
Arizona Bronze Fine Arts Atelier