For the first time in several years the Gallery at Finlandia
University is hosting a sculpture exhibit. The exhibit is the latest of
the terrific art brought to the Western U.P. By the University.
The exhibit showcases the fantastic work of
prominent sculptor Bruce Niemi, an extremely accomplished artist from Kenosha Wisconsin. To say
that this exhibit is exciting would be a gross understatement. The most
often heard word at last Thursday’s opening was "WOW" . A word used by
both the young students and the more senior aficionados attending the
evening’s reception.
Niemi’s work is beautiful, and we consider ourselves very fortunate
to have the opportunity to have this exhibit here in the western upper
peninsula. The exhibit consists of 26 sculptures, which arrived in a
large truck. The Finlandia students helped unload the large works of art
which Niemi so graciously brought to our northern outpost.
Niemi restricted the
works he brought to Hancock due to the ten foot ceilings in the gallery,
however, those he brought were bigger than life and a joy to behold. We
certainly hope that the Gallery doesn’t wait five more years before
bringing us a quality sculptural exhibit o f this magnitude.
Niemi's art, ranging from small pedestal pieces to larger wall
and free
standing sculptures, is characterized by an uplifting positive
nature. "My
faith in God, the power and beauty of nature, and the energy and
balance of
dance are the driving forces behind my art," notes Niemi. "It
would be safe
to say if you studied my art you would know my heart."
Our readers will certainly enjoy the work through the photographs
rendered in this article and the link to Neimi’s website. However, if
you have an opportunity to visit Hancock this is a must see event! The
exhibit is open to the public through January 3rd. , a great place to
visit during the Christmas school break. There were several students
from nearby Hancock High School at Thursday’s reception and they
described the exhibit to us as "awesome!" Yes indeed.
Video above and below - Bruce Niemi addresses the audience at Finlandia's
Gallery. During the week Bruce gave a class to the Art & Design
students.
For information pertaining to the
sale of these works of art contact Carrie Flaspohler, Gallery Director
at 906-487-7500 or
carrie.flaspohler@finlandia.edu
"Setting Sun" 31" X 80"
Stainless Steel
"Blue Moon" 29.5"X 22"
Stainless Steel and Bronze
"In the Beginning II" 32"X
61" Stainless Steel and Bronze
above - Catch the Wind"
39"X24" Stainless Steel
"The Wave"
18"X24" Stainless Steel
"The New Beginning"
84"X22" Stainless Steel
above center - "Energy"
8' 2" X 20" Stainless Steel and
Slate
above - Moonlight Romance"
84" X 27" Stainless Steel
above - "Revealed" 83"
X 18" Stainless Steel
above - :The Wave"
18"X24" Stainless Steel
The sculpture above are but ten of
the twenty-six fantastic sculptures on exhibit at the Gallery.
The Finlandia University Gallery is in the
Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy
Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday,
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12 pm - 4
pm or by appointment. Please call
906-487-7500 for more information.
Neimi's
Commissions
Bruce Niemi's art can be seen all
around the U.S. His work has been commissioned in California, New Mexico
, the Carolina's , Florida , Texas and of course the Mid-West. The work
depicted below was randomly displayed from Niemi's Web Site. To
see more of his work both commissioned and those available for sale
click on:
www.bruceniemi.com
Emergence III
14' High
bronze Fabrication
El Paso 2000 Exhibition
Palm Desert CA
Eternal Flame
20' high stanless
Diabled Veterns Memorial
Worth, Ill
Interim 1
16' high
Kane County Courthouse
Essence of Dance I
12.5'
H x 6' W x 2' D
Stainless Steel
Mesa Public Library
Los Alamos, NM
Praise I
17' stainless
Kansas City, Mo
Soaring Higher
13' Stainless
Stone Ed Bldg.
Florida Ste U
Tallahassee FL
Tall Ship I
Fabricated bronze
International Bank
McAllen, TX
Torch V
15' high
bronze
Cary Acadamy
Cary, North Carolina
