As we near the vernal equinox, I am reminded of the constant renewal of the natural world, and reflex on the ebbs and flows of our business of creativity. The renewal of the season brings new and exciting projects to Arizona Bronze.

We have recently been awarded a contract with New York based sculptor Tom Otterness to produce three editions of his large scale project, “Playground”. The project is best described as a wonderful example of Tom’s signature style in the form of a large Jack-in-the-Box character released from the box. The figure is reclining on his back and elbows, with knees raised. The sculpture is designed as a playground for children, with ladders to the knees and shoulders and slides to the hands and feet. There are ladders to the inside of the head with the eyes acting as windows. The sculpture measures 30 ft. high x 30 feet wide x 19 feet tall. The entire sculpture will be cast and fabricated in bronze. We are very excited and honored to have received the contract to produce the work and will add photos to this web site upon approval of the artist.

As well, we have recently completed a number of projects; these include Claudia Nolan’s “Jane Addams” for Fresno State University’s Peace Garden, Dean Dwyer’s, of Studio Production, 8.5 ft “St. Peter” for placement at a mausoleum in Phoenix, AZ, Susanna Holt’s “Dolphins” for a major international cruise line, shipped to the shipyard in Venice, Italy where the ship was built. We also completed a design service project for St. Barnabas Church in Paradise Valley , AZ , wherein we enlarged to 5 ft. a 1.5” sculpture, “Angel” commissioned by Mr. Harris in honor of his wife, Gwen, who created the smaller version in 1965. AZB provided all sculpting, production, delivery and installation services for the project.

Projects which are in production or nearing production include:

• “Bullrider”, 8 ft. h x 12 ft. l x 4 ft. w, Ed Mell; enlarge, mold & cast by AZB
• “Jack Knife”, 4 ½ ft. high, Ed Mell; enlarge, mold & cast by AZB
• “Phoenix Bird”, 40” high & 6” reduction, Ed Mell; enlarge, mold & cast by AZB
• “Elk”, ¼ scale, 1/8 scale and life-size, Jim Keller, enlarge, mold & cast by AZB
• “DNA”, 16 ft. h x 3” diameter, Tom Otterness; molds & cast by AZB
• “CEO”, 1.25 x life-size, Glenna Goodacre; cast by AZB
• “ Sweetwater Monument ”, eight 1.25 x life-size figures, Rusty Bowers; enlarge, mold & cast by AZB
• “Water Spirit”, 8 ft. high, Bob Wick; mold & cast by AZB
• “Torso”, 8 ft high, Bob Wick; mold & cast by AZB
• “Jesus”, life-size, Niels Anderson; enlarge, mold & cast by AZB

As well, we are producing 12 abstract forms for Robraut for an exhibition in Belgium later this spring. Of course, there are countless other projects in the works that are too numerous to mention.

On the artisan side of our business, Meagen Jenkins has moved back into the hands-on creative side of our facility. She is actively using her fine arts sculpture degree in enlarging, mold and wax and is doing an outstanding job. Holly Greenwall is handling point of contact and accounting questions and has filled this role admirably.

Aiya Jordan-Kawasaki has been appointed our art community development director and is developing a night pour schedule and tour schedule. She is hoping to attract both the art community and general public to these events to share our process, projects and to socialize. She will be putting together specific events for arts groups as well as events geared towards a younger audience. Thanks to Aiya.

In closing, let me thank all our past and present clients who continue to use our services for the production of their sculpture. It is truly an honor to be part of their creative process.

Be well,
Thomas Jefferson Bollinger
Sculptor
Managing Owner
Arizona Bronze Fine Arts Atelier