Margaret B. Upton Arboretum – Krasl Art Center

Five Ships

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:19:03 +0000

Can you find the five ships in this sculpture?

Look closely, the strong, tree like base slightly curves as it reaches upward, extending into five branches which support the five ships. The “tree-form” is spiritual for Shaw and he used this rooted motif as well as other symbols from nature in many of his artworks. In this work, you can almost imagine soft waves supporting the bases of these ship forms as they begin to set sail.

Cowl

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:25:55 +0000

Billingsley believes that “all artists are on a journey of discovery through territory known but not fully understood.” His journey began at a young age when he spent as much time as possible with his grandfather who was a carpenter. This is when his “love of making” began.

Steel Arch 4

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:26:31 +0000

Steel Arch 4 won the KAC 2012 Biennial Sculpture Invitational Purchase Award. This sculpture stands just over 13’ tall and weighs 2400 pounds! It was selected for its resonance with the waters of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River, its monumental form, and its immaculate craftsmanship.

Hidden Legend

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:27:21 +0000

Look closely at the granite, the large band-saw blade used to cut the granite left behind unique markings on the smooth surface. On the textured sides, pipe marks are visible from when the granite was first quarried. What do you think the legend behind this sculpture is?

Born in England, Isherwood received his Bachelor of Art from Canterbury College of Art in England and his MFA from Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York with artwork on view throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Nasca Iron

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:28:34 +0000

Inspired by the Nasca Lines, figurative designs created in the desert earth over 1500 years ago by the ancient people of Peru, this sculpture addresses the connection between nature and man; steel representing the industry of man and the wood inlay representing nature.

Gulwave

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:29:17 +0000

Gulwave was the first sculpture to become part of the KAC’s permanent collection. The Michigan-based artist, Kirk Newman, intended for this sculpture to “reflect the feeling of the natural landscape of the lake, dunes, and bird life.” Purchased with funds from Olga Krasl.

Standing Arch, Five

Krasl_Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:29:48 +0000

Thompson is a Michigan artist based in Blissfield, MI where he operates Flatlanders Sculpture Supply and Art Galleries. Can you believe that Standing Arch, Five is actually considered a small model for a larger version located in Jackson, Michigan?

Sharp’s Bench

Krasl_Admin — Fri, 13 May 2022 19:38:36 +0000

Is it a sculpture, a bench, or both?

Barry Hehemann primarily creates large-scale sculptures in metal and stone, but Sharp’s Bench is one of several “sculptural benches” designed and fabricated by the artist. Hehemann’s benches are considered functional sculpture. In addition to the aesthetics of form – the way the sculpture looks – the benches encourage visitors to consider how well the sculpture works – its stability and comfort.

Take a moment to move all the way around the sculpture. Consider its color, shape, and texture. Then, take a seat. What do you think? Is it a sculpture, a bench, or both?

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1953, Barry Hehemann received a BFA in sculpture from the Herron School of Art, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1975. After receiving an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1977, Hehemann co-founded Vector Custom Fabricating in 1978. Vector is an architectural metals and sculpture fabricating company that continues to serve the art and construction communities today.