Mark Andrew Sculpture Studio is pleased to inform the rock hound membership of the NWSSA that his largest commission to date has just been finalized. Through a large amount of good luck, good will and some courage, I have been handed an awesome sculpture project by the city of Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency. Some of you may know that Lake Oswego has diligently pursued bringing sculpture into their urban area over the past five years. They earned my respect with their offer to pay the artist a stipend while exhibiting the art over a two year period. During this time, they also advertise the sculpture and have enjoyed impressive sales. This new opportunity, however, stems from their urban development of the downtown.

 

A new plaza was designed and built with wide steps leading to the water’s edge, creating a wonderful interactive area. What was not foreseen was that the steps would allow easy access to the lake in the form of an unauthorized boat ramp for canoes and kayaks. The corporation owning rights to the lake cried foul and has charged the city to fix the problem. To quote from the movie, “Ghostbusters”...”Who you gonna call?” Well, guess what happened! Somehow, somewhere, someone was motivated to throw my name onto the top of the pile and I received an amazing phone call.

 

Titled, “A Bronze Naturescape for Millennium Plaza Park,” the sculpture will be sited in the water away from the bottom of the plaza steps about 8 to 10 feet and run the whole length of the 55 foot steps. Utilizing 30 tons of basalt river boulders and 14 cast bronze clusters of wetland reeds, I will seek to solve the problem of launching boats while creating a sculpture the city’s residents can view with pride. The studio ventures into new territory with this opportunity. Excitement and uncertainty are hand in hand at this phase of the creative process. Courage is the key. I am strengthened by the wealth of talent within the membership of the NWSSA. I thank all of you who have showed slides at the symposia and guided workshops to educate and inspire the membership. Your efforts have inspired this member to say “Yes” to what may prove a pivotal commission in his expanding sculpture career.