The National Sculpture Society is pleased to present The Passage of Time. The exhibition features 15 works by 11 members of the Society and will be on view from August 11 – October 17, 2025 at the NSS Gallery in midtown Manhattan. The theme of this show explores how the artist depicts the progression of time in sculpture, be it through short increments or the long expanse of years. Humans, animals and the physical world cannot escape the ticking of the clock. Highlights of the show include figures in glowing youth beside those maturing and aging; the evolutionary cycles in nature and its seasons; time-lapsed moments of human actions and emotions; and mythical characters who magically create time and those who fight the good fight against its advancement. The sculptures represent the different styles, backgrounds, and disciplines of NSS members. Fellows (FNSS), Elected Members (NSS), and Associates comprise the levels of membership of the organization which is international in scope and appeal. The National Sculpture Society is a not-for-profit organization which supports excellence in sculpture through various educational programs including scholarships and grants for emerging artists.

The Jury of Selection plays an important part in shaping and balancing an exhibition and each jury is comprised of two sculptors and one curator. For The Passage of Time, the Jury of Selection included Robin R. Salmon, Vice President of Collections and Curator of Sculpture, Brookgreen Gardens (SC); Kate Brockman, FNSS; and Michael Keropian, FNSS.

Artists in the show are John Belardo, Eli Bezimansky, Marlys Boddy, Jacob Dobson, Morgan Dummitt, Patrick Goguen, Bruno Lucchesi, Chuong Pham, Rik Sargent, Judith Weller and Jeremiah D. Welsh.

New York City artist, Bruno Lucchesi, takes his inspiration for his relief Undressing from a classical tale.  “I was always fascinated with the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea. I made this bas relief to illustrate every stage of movement that the model takes in time as she undresses. She is Galatea, the muse. In the last panel, the sculptor is present. He is Pygmalion, the creator, and they embrace.”

Rik Sargent’s bronze tackles the age-old dilemma that has confounded mankind since the dawn of time. “Eggolution is the ‘which came first’ story of animated evolution of an egg to a wing in flight.”

Jeremiah D. Welsh’s resin relief Lament – A Sad Song for the Passing of Spring is a testimony of the enduring tenacity of life.  “From the death of one-year springs the life of another, in a bounty of blossoms too soon to fall,” states Welsh. “And with each fragile petal’s failing, we are reminded of the passing nature of life. Beauty being that much more beautiful for its fleeting presence. This sculpture is for me a visualization of the ‘Doorstep of Mortality’ – a vision of life’s journey at its commencement. However, it is also an exploration of the bittersweet reality that the same threshold from which we begin our journey is one to which we return in time’s fullness. On going cycles of conclusion and continuation…”

The National Sculpture Society was founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of America’s most prominent sculptors. Its members have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals since the late 1800s. It is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States and has been hosting exhibitions for over a century. National Sculpture Society is dedicated to promoting excellence in sculpture that is inspired by nature.