The International Sculpture Center’s Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award was founded in 1994 to recognize young sculptors and encourage their continued commitment to the field of sculpture, as well as to recognize the award recipients' faculty sponsors and their institutions.

About ART Research

Art Research Enterprises is an art casting and art fabrication company specializing in bronze, brass, stainless steel, aluminum casting and art fabrication of bronze, aluminum and stainless steel as well as the conservation and restoration of art and architectural objects.

We have been in business for 40 years and we still are fortunate to be a part of Art Research.  We take pride in showing you an overview of the company and our philosophy.

Doing business today may be more challenging than ever, with the industry moving quickly and artists’ demands constantly evolving, it's imperative that ART stay on top of developing techniques and trends.  It is a top priority of ART to focus on what the artist has said is important to them.  The honesty and integrity that guided us in the beginning is still a driving force and will continue to stay the same. Most of all we say “THANKS” to you, our client.

-B. Ault & Mike Cunningham

Commitment to Quality

For 40 years, ART Research Enterprises, Inc. has been a leading producer of fine art castings and fabrication. Located in picturesque Lancaster, PA, the corridor to the art centers of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, ART Research’s facilities cater to the needs of artists, museums, architects, corporations and municipalities around the world. We work with you from the conception of your creation through project planning turning ideas into reality. At ART Research, every job is our most important job and every client is our most important client.

Company philosophy toward our clients

1. We succeed only when our client succeeds.  Their bottom-line is ultimately our bottom-line. So we must take the initiative and treat their work and money as if it were our own. This sense of ownership means we expect to be held accountable for the results.
2. Our focus must be on the client! Serving the artist is why we all exist. So we must make it a point to be in close touch with the client.
3. Excellence is a team concept. This is a collaborative business between client and staff. We expect our employees to be team players, to be contributors, and to be motivated by a sense of accomplishment. When we enable everyone to contribute, the client and the team will always win.
4. Successful relationships are built on trust. Our goal is to have long-term clients and associates, whom we respect and who respect us; who let us contribute to their growth. We will do everything in our power to build this trust.
5. Communications is 90% listening. We are in the service business, so everything we do depends upon how well we listen to and communicate with our clients and each other.
6. There are no shortcuts to quality. Discipline is more fundamental to success than brilliance. The true spirit of an organization lives in its sense of discipline and its attention to details. We must do our homework and take pride in doing things right the first time.
7. There is no finish line. Progress is doing everything a little better each day. If we pay attention to how we can make ourselves and our company incrementally better every day, then there will never be a limit to how good we can be.
8. We need to feel good about what we do. If we do all of the above we can take pride in our company, in ourselves, and what we do for a living. We can look in the mirror and feel proud about how we got where we are – and good about where we are going.
   

What is this number sequence you might ask…? These are just a few stats relating to my 10 years working at the International Sculpture Center.

Since 2011, I have worked in almost every position available and a few were even created for me. One of the positions I worked as was ISC’s Membership Program Coordinator. As the Membership Program Coordinator, I managed several of our award programs including: ISC’s Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award, ISC’s Outstanding Educator Award, and ISC’s Residency Program. During my time managing these programs, I have worked with and met 161 Student Award recipients, and 163 honorable mentions. I have collaborated with organizations or personally (sometimes literally by myself) installed 20 Student Award Exhibitions. I have interviewed and worked with 13 ISC Residents, both nationally and internationally. And I have had the privilege of announcing 11 Outstanding Educators as award recipients.

ISC’s Student Achievement Award was founded to recognize young sculptors and encourage their continued commitment to the field of sculpture. From 2011-2021, what has been exciting and most memorable for me to witness is past student award recipients becoming successful professional artists, passionate educators, and continued long standing members of our community. I have notified students on receiving the award and years later I receive nominations from them for their very own students. The ongoing passion and importance of this award for a burgeoning professional artist has only increased since my introduction to the program.

The ISC established its residency program as a way to provide members an opportunity to work with fellow artists in a studio environment. In the time I worked on the residency program we expanded from one collaborative residency to four. We began expanding our residency program in 2016 with Mana Contemporary. As this program developed we replaced our student award recipients’ exhibition with a residency at Grounds For Sculpture in 2017. And in 2019 we established our fourth residency program with Josephine Sculpture Park in Kentucky. Administratively, these residencies all proved to have their unique challenges but the rewards they’ve given our members has been invaluable. Unlike the other two larger programs, ISC’s residency program hyper-focuses on individuals by providing space and a platform to succeed as a professional artist.

The ISC established the Educator Award to recognize individual artist-educators. What’s incredibly unique about working on this program is that I get to see teachers continuously make a difference in their students’ lives. The recipients of this award are continually nominating students for our student awards each year and these students end up nominating their professors for the educator award. Recently, we held an Educator award ceremony for 2021 recipient, Foon Sham (our first in-person event since 2019!!). In attendance was Drew Goerlitz, Drew is a past student award recipient from 2003 and our very first artist in residence at art-st-urban. He now is a professor that annually nominates students for our award program. Drew spoke in detail about how important these programs are for universities, professors and young artists. It was incredibly rewarding to see the success and impact of all of these programs’, even if it’s just one individual.

Although I have only spoken about 4 programs the ISC has to offer, the extent of them goes beyond what I have seen or experienced. The joy of my job is that it is truly ever changing and each day is completely different from the next. On a regular basis I get to witness the effects our programs have on our members and their careers that hopefully goes beyond a decade.

- Jeannette Darr

Mirek Struzik graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, Poland in the department of graphics in 1989, painting and sculpture - sculpture specialty. Master of fine arts. Before gaining the degree, he worked for 8 years in design studios where he got
a few invention patents. Besides that, he also studied industrial design.
He is especially fascinated by the floral patterns, such as constructions of flowers and plants, he focuses on transitioning these biological micro structures into the macro scale of sculptures. His sculptures are meant to be freely interpreted by the viewer, as each person’s imagination can see and understand them in a completely different way.
His works are always carefully fitted into the urban surroundings and perfectly correspond with the space that surrounds them.
Most of his sculptures are made from acid resistant stainless steel and illuminated with RGB LEDs, as light, both natural and and artificial, takes vital part in creation of his sculptures, what can be perfectly seen especially in his last work, Bubble Forest.
In 2005 he received Sugarman Foundation Award (USA). In 2020 he was selected as one of 25 Creative Revolutionaries by CODAworx and given the Platinum A' Design Award in Arts by A' Design Award & Competition – both for the Bubble Forest.

Some of his most notable works include:
• Dandelions in San Mateo, California;
• Dandelions next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE;
• Dandelions in Nice, France;
• Bubble Forest in Nice, France;
• Adam and Eve for the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park in Chicago, Illinois;
• Memorial of Gratitude to World War II Victims in Opoczno, Poland;
• Eight sculptures for Spanish Shopping Centres – Futura Park in Poland

Learn More: https://struzik-art.com/en

Image: Mirek Struzik, Dandelions (Dubai), 2017, Acid resistant stainless steel, max height - about 6.9 m (22'-8")

Learn more about Andrew Malczewski: https://www.andrewmalczewski.com/

ISC Chapter Groups are recognized by the ISC as collectives that promote the awareness and understanding of sculpture through artist exposure and special events. Chapters are groups of sculptors and sculpture enthusiasts, located in specific geographic areas, who serve as a local voice for the ISC. Chapters provide opportunities such as local exhibitions, networking, and sculpture resources for like-minded individuals to engage and collaborate. The ISC lends generous support to its Chapter groups by providing discounts ISC membership to Chapter members, dedicated space on the ISC’s website, opportunities to market Chapter events & exhibitions through the ISC, and much more.

The Texas Sculpture Group (TSG) is a non-profit organization formed for the purposes of promoting contemporary sculpture as an art form, educating the public regarding the aesthetics of sculpture, and promoting and supporting sculptors.

The organization’s goal is to establish or renew the identification and camaraderie among those who make, collect, research, or simply enjoy contemporary sculpture in Texas. With 118 current members, our ongoing program of networking, discussion, web presence, publication and exhibition seeks to expand the audience for this art form within and beyond the region.

Image Caption (Below): Andrew Malczewski, American Favela no.9."Wood, steel, tarpaulin, biketire, acrylic paint. 53 x 36 x 8.75

“This series of works is titled the American Favela, I started this series because I saw the growing tent communities in San Antonio and Austin. As a young man I spent almost 2 years living in a van and on friends' couches. I know firsthand that the causes and solutions to homelessness are not simple or easy. At the same time there was the national discussion on job loss due to the pandemic, minimum wage, housing and student loan forgiveness. Among my friends (artist, contractors, and gig workers) there was a lot of pessimism and uncertainty over what the future would bring, and there was also a lot of optimism that things are getting better.

A favela is a Brazilian Slum that has experienced governmental neglect. A shanty town of closely pact tenements piled on top of each other. My experience of the favela is in pop media and google images. Pictures of buildings painted bright colors but no actual experience or understanding of a Brazilians life lived in a favela. So for me they are a city of pessimism and uncertainty painted in optimism. When I look at my own country, my own life and wonder what is the American favela? Is the American favela the more than half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck with no real savings or financial safety net. Those Americans, who with one injury could plunge them into life changing debt. Living in rented apartments and houses barely able to make ends meet. Here there are no bright painted tenements to signify the poverty line. When I see the growth of tent communities under overpass and hear how homelessness rises I know that if it wasn’t for good friends and good family that could have been my life. This body of work is my reflection on it.” - Andrew Malczewski

Learn more about Rachel Gardner: https://www.rachelgardnerart.com/

ISC Chapter Groups are recognized by the ISC as collectives that promote the awareness and understanding of sculpture through artist exposure and special events. Chapters are groups of sculptors and sculpture enthusiasts, located in specific geographic areas, who serve as a local voice for the ISC. Chapters provide opportunities such as local exhibitions, networking, and sculpture resources for like-minded individuals to engage and collaborate. The ISC lends generous support to its Chapter groups by providing discounts ISC membership to Chapter members, dedicated space on the ISC’s website, opportunities to market Chapter events & exhibitions through the ISC, and much more.

The Texas Sculpture Group (TSG) is a non-profit organization formed for the purposes of promoting contemporary sculpture as an art form, educating the public regarding the aesthetics of sculpture, and promoting and supporting sculptors.

The organization’s goal is to establish or renew the identification and camaraderie among those who make, collect, research, or simply enjoy contemporary sculpture in Texas. With 118 current members, our ongoing program of networking, discussion, web presence, publication and exhibition seeks to expand the audience for this art form within and beyond the region.

More about The State of Sculpture: 10th Anniversary All-Member Exhibition of the Texas Sculpture Group…

Featuring works by some of the most celebrated contemporary sculptors in Texas, THE STATE OF SCULPTURE marks the 10th Anniversary of the Texas Sculpture Group with artworks from its roster of nearly 100 artist-members statewide. From traditional to cutting edge, small-scale to monumental, this all-member exhibition fills the expansive galleries of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, offering insight into the range of material, aesthetic, and conceptual possibilities that define contemporary sculpture.

Juried by Johannah Hutchison, Executive Director of the International Sculpture Center, the exhibition features works by 93 TSG Artist Members from around the state, displayed throughout SAMFA’s beautiful galleries, as well as the rooftop sculpture terrace. This exhibition of nearly 100 works provides an excellent overview of TSG member work, and a glimpse of the range and breadth of contemporary Texas sculpture.

Image Caption: Rachel Gardner, Howl, 2016, paper mâché, foam, wire, rubber, 7’x3’x3'

Nine years ago when I applied for the membership position at the ISC, I was asked why I thought I would be suitable for it. I’d said, “My enthusiasm to have a positive impact in the lives of people and communities around me “. Little did I know that in the following years, my work at the ISC would add a deeper meaning to this statement!

ISC membership as a whole focuses on a common community directive – promoting sculpture and supporting sculptors. And in my role I work closely with members from all constituents towards this focused purpose. No matter what their constituency, all members want to be recognized, appreciated and feel like what they do matters. And there is a certain sense of accomplishment when we’re able to help provide the services and resources that help them out.

But over the years, the collaborations and relationships that I’ve come to build with members and being able to be a part of their story are what I personally consider as my drivers of success. These have given me a sense of fulfillment that extends beyond what I do as a membership administrator, to who I help, what I create, and who I work for and with.

Being able to serve them by listening, guiding, and working hand in hand with them to ensure they reach their desired goals gives me a sense of ownership in what I do. It’s more like “I represent the ISC. I represent the team. I represent the members. They succeed, I succeed (and vice versa).”

The privilege to serve a community of members by creating paths for them to succeed is a truly empowering experience. And I’m thankful to the ISC for the opportunity.

Manju Philip
ISC Membership & Subscription Manager

“The ISC turned 60 in 2020. 60 years of service to the art of sculpture, the art of creating objects that extend fully into all three dimensions of space. [The Buckyball represents] one very special way for 60 points to arrange in space on the surface of a sphere, evenly distributed such that each point is equidistant to all its neighbors.” – Julian Voss-Andreae

ISC has chosen the Buckyball as the hallmark of our 60th Anniversary celebration to represent the interconnectedness of the sculpture community, the art world, and society at large. Click here for an expanded explanation of the Buckyball structure and why it was chosen for our celebration.

Julian Voss-Andreae is widely known for his striking work often blending figurative sculpture with scientific insights into the nature of reality. Voss-Andreae’s sculptures can be found in major collections all over the world and videos of his sculpture have gone viral with tens of millions of views. Voss-Andreae did his graduate research in quantum physics at one of the world’s most prestigious physics research labs at the University of Vienna.

ISC Chapters and Affiliated Sculptor Groups are recognized by the ISC as collectives that promote the awareness and understanding of sculpture through artist exposure and special events.

Chapters are groups of sculptors and sculpture enthusiasts, located in specific geographic areas, who serve as a local voice for the ISC. Chapters provide opportunities such as local exhibitions, networking, and sculpture resources for like-minded individuals to engage and collaborate. 

Visit the ISC Chapter Groups to learn more: Boston Sculptors Gallery, Chicago Sculpture International, Pacific Rim Sculptors and Texas Sculpture Group.

To learn more about chapter groups watch the Panel: ISC Chapters: How and Why | 2012 International Sculpture Conference: Process, Patron, Public in Chicago, IL

The International Sculpture Center held the 23rd International Sculpture Conference: Process, Patron, Public from October 4-6, 2012 in Chicago, IL. The event brought together ISC members, non-members, artists, arts administrators, curators, city planners, educators, art supporters, and students.

This panel, ISC Chapters: How and Why, featured speakers Bob Emser, Isaac Duncan III, and Steve Daly talking about their Chapter Groups, including Chicago Sculpture International, Pacific Rim Sculpture Group, and Texas Sculpture Group.

This event was made possible with support and sponsorships by Mark Baker/ Aeternitas Inc.; Belmont Harbor Yacht Club; Bollinger Atelier; Chicago Cultural Center; Bruce Clinton, Clinton Family Fund; Digital Atelier; Donna Dodson; Rand Elliot, Elliot and Associates Architects; Carole A. Feuerman; Governors State University; Tony Karman, ExpoChicago; Marc LeBaron, Lincoln Industries; Lincoln Park Conservatory; Lostn Foundation; Roger Machin, Methods & Materials; Tom McCormick, McCormick Gallery; Museum of Contemporary Art; Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park; The New Jersey Art Commission; Shelley Padnos & Carol Sarosik; Podmajersky, Inc. and Chicago Arts District; University of Cincinnati, Pat Renick Gift Fund; School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Sedgwick Studios; Vector Custom Fabricating, Inc.; South Loop Whole Foods. Media Sponsor: Chicago Gallery News.

The International Sculpture Center is supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

by Hilary Nitka

International Sculpture Center and Hilary Nitka, Vice Chair of the International Sculpture Center Board of Directors and the Chair of the 60th Anniversary Celebration committee welcome you to the 60th Anniversary Celebration. We will be sharing ISC stories and recommendations submitted by the sculpture community. Our celebration is all about creating a space for an inclusive community to engage in dialogue, networking, educational programming, and events. The collections of 60 stories, books, events, films, sculpture parks and public art will serve as inspiration and a helpful resource for the community that has supported and built the ISC over the last 60 years.We invite you to participate in our celebration, by sharing your ISC story or recommendations today!