Paul Sires
Click on the image to view more work
Paul Sires has exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad, including the Phoenix Museum, the Cleveland Museum, and the Pallazzo Venezia in Rome. Sires is the recipient of fellowships from the North Carolina Arts Council, the Ohio Arts Council, and the NEA. He received his MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Selected public commissions include Trammel Crow, Bank of America, Edifice Inc., Arts and Science Council of Charlotte, North Carolina Museum of History, Duke Power Co., the Toledo Radisson, and the uptown Charlotte Arena. Selected collections include the Mint Museum of Art, Hearst Corporation, Georgia State University, Butler Institute of American Art, Elon College, and SAS Institute.
“In this body of work, I try to express an elegant essence with the use of historical forms and the interaction of natural materials.” – JPS
Russell Biles
Click on the image to view more work
Russell Biles is described by one critic as a sculptural satirist. These humorous yet challenging ceramic pieces are critiques of human foibles and reflections on a variety of social issues. Works range from one to ten feet in scale, and are meticulously crafted by a technical virtuoso who has an uncompromising vision.
David Engdahl
Click on the image to view more work
David Engdahl – laminated wood creations with soft curves range from thirty inches to six feet in size. His works are featured in the collections of Standard Oil Company, Charterhouse Investment Company, Bank of America, and numerous others. Engdahl received a grant from the Fine Arts Council of Florida and has two major works, “Ascent” and “Descent” on permanent loan at Florida Community College, Florida South Campus.
James Clark
Click on the image to view more work
From small table top studies, to larger than life size nudes, James Clark converts contours into flat planes with a cubist sensibility. Archaic references facial expressions and postures produce a dignified and startling effect. His wooden sculptures are painted with a light patina coloration, and project an elegant presence.
Clark received his BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design and his MFA from Cranbrook. His work can be found in the collections of Dettra Flag Co., Annin & Co., Mele Manufacturing Co., and Russel Wright Associates.
Robert Gardner
Click on the image to view more work
Robert Gardner plays with luminosity and color as evident in his glass work. Gardner was a 2002 Resident Fellow at the Creative Glass Center of America, and a 1996 Penland glass studio resident, has exhibited at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, New York; the Krannert Museum in Illinois; and the International Review of Contemporary Glass at Habatat Gallery.
“The simple relationship between objects within a defined space has always been my attraction to sculpture. Still life constructions help me define and explore a sense of proportion.” -Robert Gardner-
April Wagner and Jason Ruff
Click on the image to view more work
April Wagner and Jason Ruff have worked collaboratively since 1993. Their artistic method of creating together speaks of combined aesthetics.
The artists met and began creating together while finishing their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, MI. Wagner and Ruff started their knowledge of centering, form, thickness, and balance by mastering the medium of clay and each independently made the transition to hot glass as their favored medium in 1992 and 1990 respectively. In addition to CCS, the artists studied at New York Experimental in Brooklyn, NY. Wagner also attended Alfred University in Alfred NY and Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI.
The world class glass studio of these two talented artists was built by Fred Metz, who built the studios for Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, and the Corning Museum.
Wagner and Ruff have attracted the attention of numerous galleries, designers, and public and private collectors. Their works reside in several collections including the White House Collection, Washington, DC; General Motor’s World Headquarters, Detroit, MI; and Strategic Staffing Solutions, Detroit, MI.
Randy Walker
Click on the image to view more work
Randy Walker graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1981 with a degree in Wildlife Ecology. Randy began blowing glass at Multigraphis Art Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma . In 1989, he began study at the Pilchuck Glass School , near Seattle .
Randy has worked for Pilchuck Glass School as a faculty member and craftsman since 1990. In 2004, he was Pilchuck’s Interim Artistic Director for one session. He has been a principal member of the William Morris blowing team for fourteen years. In addition, he regularly teaches glass blowing workshops in the United States , Canada , and abroad. His work is exhibited nationally.
His blown and sculpted forms are inspired by the colors, textures and patterns found in the forests of the Pacific Northwest . These naturalistic forms, seemingly worn by weather and time, rekindle the sense of wonder, spirit and solitude one might realize on a walk in the woods. The work is born from a deep seated reverence for the forest’s grand scale, minute details, timeless patience, and tenacious vitality.
