On June 23rd, National Sculpture Society presented a variety of grants and awards recognizing sculptors and those who support sculpture.

Evan Morse – 2018 Dexter Jones Award

The award is presented annually to a sculptor for an outstanding work of sculpture in bas-relief. It is expressly for sculptors between the ages of 18-39 and is funded by an endowment in memory of Dexter Jones, past Fellow of National Sculpture Society.

Sculptors Jeremiah D. Welsh and Christopher Smith, along with Alan Stahl, Curator of Numismatics, Princeton University, served as the jury. Welsh believes that Morse’s work “is contemporary and pertinent socially while still embracing the traditions and craft of bas relief sculpture.” Read More

Timothy Nimmo – 2018 Marilyn Newmark Memorial Grant       

The grant is awarded annually to an animal sculptor who has demonstrated a commitment to sculpting and an outstanding ability in their body of work.

Timothy Nimmo is the fifth recipient of the Marilyn Newmark Memorial Grant, which is funded through a bequest from Marilyn Newmark (1928-2013), an accomplished sculptor and equestrian. Sculptors D. L. Engle, Walter Matia and Sandy Scott served as the jurors for the 2018 Grant.  Engle describes Nimmo’s work as “inspired” and “mature” – a body of work that “demonstrates that when the tools of art – design, technique and observation – are firmly under the command of the artist’s intent, magic happens.” She adds, “Nimmo’s sculptures illuminate the sacredness and mystery of the natural world. He opens this world to us with the aplomb of a master story teller who grants us access to his vision with new eyes.”  Read More

Benjamin Victor – 2018 Alex J. Ettl Grant 

The grant is awarded to sculptors who have demonstrated a commitment to sculpting and an outstanding ability in their body of work.

National Sculpture Society Fellows George Anthonisen, Blair Buswell and Kirsten Kokkin served as the 2018 Ettl Grant jury. Kokkin describes Victor as “an extremely talented young figurative sculptor” who has “an impressive and varied body of work.” Anthonisen adds, “I have no question that Benjamin Victor will continue to develop an expertise that will carry him far. Sculptures created consist of powerful images as well as extraordinary knowledge in the mechanics of sculpture. Victor shows great integrity in what he does.”  Read More

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine – Herbert Adams Memorial Medal

The Memorial Medal is presented for service to American sculpture. The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, from its exterior to interior and to its grounds, provides a home for many works of sculpture and was the venue for the National Sculpture Society’s landmark exhibition, ‘A Blessing of Animals’ in 2017. Read More

Gordon Alt – Sisko Memorial Medal

The Sisko Memorial Medal, named in honor of NSS Fellow and Board Member, John Sisko (1958-2016), is presented for distinguished service to Sculpture through programs sponsored by the National Sculpture Society. Gordon Alt is the Executive Director of the John Cavanaugh Foundation and serves on NSS’ Board. Read More

Image on Sculpture News: Dr. Norman E. Borlaug by Benjamin Victor