Artisan at Thumb Butte Bronze restarting the fire!
When you read an artist’s signature on a bronze sculpture, you’re only reading half the story. Wildlife sculptor and gallery owner Ken Rowe wants to change that kicking off September with Metal Magic a one-night-only event taking place on Friday, September 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. Finishing artists from two Prescott bronze workshops, Thumb Butte Bronze and The Bronze Age, will be discussing – and, when possible, demonstrating – pouring, welding, chasing and patina techniques. If you’re curious about how a clay sculpture becomes a finished bronze, you don’t want to miss this show. (Take note: The demonstrations begin promptly at 4 p.m. in the courtyard on the west side of the gallery, so arrive early for the best seat.)
Artisans pouring bronze at Thumb Butte Bronze.
“Art collectors who’ve spoken to me for any amount of time know that I’m always trying to reiterate the collaborative nature of bronze sculpting,” says Ken. “It’s a partnership between the sculptor and several artists, most of who work behind the scenes. Until you see the process, it’s hard to understand. So on September 1, we’re bringing the foundry to the gallery. We want to put these artists in the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve.”
Foundry artisans at Thumb Butte Foundry.
Participating Bronze Age finishing artists include Erik Petersen, Joel Petersen, Jeremiah Petersen, Natalie Diedrick and Kristin McDonald, who will display her original bronzes for one night only. Keen collectors will recognize two of these names: Erik and his father Joel are both represented by the gallery.
Erik Petersen and Ken Rowe with “Vantage Point” life size bronze parts.
Artisan Kristin applying chemicals to the nose on Ken Rowe’s bronze sculpture “Vantage Point” Lifesize.
From Thumb Butte Bronze, attendees will meet owner Meghan LaFuze and finishing artist Alan Lykins. Meghan is looking forward to showcasing examples of some of the steps involved in the foundry process.
Thumb Butte Bronze owner Meghan LaFuze in the dipping room.
“This is going to be a very exciting night – different from anything we’ve done before,” says Ken. “I hope everyone who loves art comes out and meets the talented people who make us sculptors look so good.”
“Desert Blossom” 11”H x 5”W x 5”D Highly Collectible Limited Edition Bronze of 35 by Artist Ken Rowe
Metal Magic is the continuation of a year-long celebration of the art of storytelling. When you come right down to it, artists are storytellers, using paint, clay and precious metals the same way a writer uses words. There’s a story behind each of the paintings, sculptures and pieces of jewelry in the gallery – stay tuned as some of those stories are told throughout the year.
“Sugar Buzz” 5.75”H x 6”W x 4”D Highly Collectible Limited Edition Bronze of 99 by Artist Ken Rowe
The celebration of bronze sculpture artists will continue all month long as Rowe Fine Art Gallery celebrates its family of sculptors including Kim Kori, Erik Petersen, Joel Petersen, Ken Rowe and Joshua Tobey.
Rowe Fine Art Gallery represents traditional and contemporary southwestern artists. The gallery, located under the bell tower in Patio de las Campanas at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.