4th Annual Perrysburg Sculpture Walk
Art. Nature. Community.
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4th Annual Perrysburg Sculpture Walk - 2024-2025 Exhibition
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Gail
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About the Artists
Fire Blade is a collaborative sculpture by Gail Christofferson, owner and operator of Animal House Glass located in Tontogany, Ohio. Gail Christofferson (Lead Artist) is a nationally recognized artist who transitioned from commercial art and design to full-time mosaic art. Her work focuses on large-scale projects, often community-based, where she teaches and collaborates with participants to create mosaic installations. Known for her attention to detail from concept to installation, Christofferson's corporate clients appreciate her fresh and unique approach to art. Debra Buchanan: A classically trained fine artist, Buchanan brings visual integrity, a keen eye for color and proportion, and refined techniques to each project. Her ability to render both abstract and photorealistic imagery in various media adds visual texture and clarity to the final work. Craig Hamilton: With a background in architecture and furniture design, Hamilton excels in marrying function and aesthetics. He contributes to the entire project from concept to construction, providing technical drawings, 3D models, and collaborating with fabricators to complete complex installations. Sculpture Overview Fire Blade is a stunning mosaic disc created with thousands of small, intricately cut pieces of glass meticulously placed on both sides of a steel disc. Each side with a distinct colorful design. The process is intensive, requiring precise sizing and careful placement of each piece. The stand is welded steel with the mosaic grouted to complete the artwork. This vibrant piece features organic shapes and colors, offering a unique visual experience for every viewer. Artist Statement "The inspiration for the design for this piece began with an abstract design of organic shapes and colors. The idea is that the viewer will experience something new with this colorful sculpture. The shapes create a unique visual for everyone; one person may see a bird, a fish, or a fire, and with each visit, the viewer may find another unique visual! The mosaic glass provides a distinctive material for a sculpture." |
George Farbotko
Roscoe, Illinois
Title: Abiding Observer
Medium: Wood $ 15,000.00 |
About the Artist
George M. Farbotko is an internationally recognized artist based in Roscoe, Illinois. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University. He has earned numerous recognitions, awards, and commissions, both private and public, for his diverse body of work. His artistic practice spans a range of mediums, including bronze, large-scale wood, mixed media, and digital works as well competitive snow sculpting. Farbotko has garnered global recognition for his achievements in international and national snow sculpting competitions, where he has both competed and served as a judge, earning accolades for his innovative large scale snow sculptures. In addition to his sculptural work, Farbotko is a partner in Grafizz Studio, where he contributes to the creation of interactive children's science exhibits and prototype displays. His extensive experience and creative expertise continue to enrich the field of contemporary art and education. Sculpture Overview This sculpture features a character the artist calls “Farwink,” a whimsical and surreal creature created as a counterbalance and peaceful escape from societal issues such as war, social strife, and political turmoil. The Farwink was carved out of Virginia cedar and seated atop an intricately crafted oak column. The column stands 26” x 18” x 9’ and is supported by a base of steel and black plastic lumber. The artist’s process for creating the column was innovative and meticulous: he hand-carved and turned it on a homemade lathe constructed from lumber, steel plates, and a motor with adjusted pulleys and belts. The lathe’s tool rest was fashioned from plywood and a skateboard running on a wooden rail, allowing for precise shaping of the oak log. Artist Statement "Surreal-fantasy and humor have been central to my creative work for decades. My artistic journey began in the 1970s with colorful beings inhabiting a tranquil, evolving world, providing a positive escape from the turbulent issues of the time, including war, social strife, and political unrest. In recent years, I’ve continued to reflect contemporary challenges such as climate change, social justice, and political divisiveness in my work. The positive response from viewers seeking refuge from current news has inspired me to explore these themes further through my drawings and sculptures. My creatures, starting from a basic form without defined gender or skin tone, have evolved to include hidden features and various forms. This approach allows me to explore the dynamics of identity and interaction, drawing from everyday life and how individuals and groups relate to their surroundings. Through these evolving characters, I aim to capture the essence of human experience and provide a space for contemplation amidst the complexities of the modern world." |
Carrie Fischer
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Title: Mum Du Silver
Medium: Concrete & Steel $ 34,000.00 |
About the Artist
Carrie Fischer became fascinated with sculpting through ceramics at an early age. Her passion for building objects flourished after she and her husband, Tom, started an architectural concrete business called Fishstone Studio in 2006. She found success and satisfaction making functional art and moved into her study of sculpting with concrete as a medium. Through her action-oriented mentality, she found a calling to make sculptures that depicted the social issues of the world. She is now focused fulltime on sculpting and developing new techniques to use high performance concrete in public art and commissions. Her work can be seen in juried exhibitions throughout the Midwest region and beyond. Sculpture Overview Mum Du Silver stands as a powerful testament to Fischer's mastery of cement as an artistic medium. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, this striking contemporary piece is crafted from black concrete and steel, showcasing her ability to transform industrial materials into evocative works of art. This is the third sculpture in her Black Lives Matter Heart Series and pays tribute to the mothers who have tragically lost their children to violence. The heart-shaped form of the sculpture, a recurring motif in her work, symbolizes the deep emotional core of this tribute. There is a necklace on the sculpture bearing the adinkra symbol which carries a deeper meaning rooted in cultural heritage. The metallic silver finish not only adds a visually captivating element but also serves as a metaphorical glimmer of hope for the future. Through Mum Du Silver, Fischer skillfully intertwines symbolism, form, and material to offer a profound reflection on the intersection of loss and hope, urging viewers to consider the enduring impact of violence on families and communities. Artist Statement "Mum Du Silver serves as a visual testament to the enduring spirit of mothers who have peacefully risen in honor of their departed loved ones amid the depths of profound grief. Central to the narrative is the Adinkra symbol adorning the sculpture’s necklace, an emblematic representation of the guardianship of children in the heavens. This spiritual motif reinforces the profound connection between the earthly struggles depicted in the sculpture and the enduring eternal bond between mothers and their departed children. The heart-shaped form, with its blend of textures and materials, becomes a vessel for collective pain, resilience, and aspiration. In this sculpture I create a transformation from sorrow into evocative expression of hope, inviting contemplation on the shared journey toward healing and a world free from the scourge of violence." |
Robert Garcia
Whitehouse, Ohio
Title: Burning Bush
Medium: Mild steel & acrylic finish $ 5,500.00 Burning Bush is sponsored by 
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About the Artist
Robert Garcia had a happy childhood disrupted by tragedy and adversity. Many residential changes and restarts interrupted his early education. He was raised by his grandparents. His maternal grandmother became his first teacher of earth sciences, spirituality, arts and crafts and the art of improvisation. With his intermittent education it appeared it was unlikely he would finish school. Art became his path which led him to earn a Bachelor of Teaching degree from the University of Toledo followed by a Master of Fine Art degree from Ohio State University. Mr. Garcia retired after 40 years of teaching art in the Toledo Public School System. Throughout his teaching career his paintings, murals, ceramic work, and sculptures have been exhibited in local and national exhibits. His artwork has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and recognitions and can be found in the permanent collection of the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Botanical Gardens, Schedel Gardens, The University of Toledo, three commissions for the Toledo Zoo and many other landmark locations in the local area and region as well as in Toledo Spain. Sculpture Overview Burning Bush is a striking steel sculpture created by Robert Garcia, known for his vibrant and dynamic mural painting style. Crafted from mild steel, rolled and hand-cut with a plasma torch, this abstract, contemporary piece takes the form of a stylized bush. The sculpture is two-sided, with one side painted in a fiery red and the other in a cool blue, showcasing Garcia's signature use of bold color to evoke powerful emotions and contrast. This piece is part of a broader series that Garcia has developed, with variations in size and material that have been exhibited throughout the tri-state area and across the nation. His work has garnered significant attention, leading to permanent installations of similar sculptures at prestigious locations, including the University of Toledo, Schedel Gardens, Toledo Botanical Gardens, and even a ceramic version archived at the Toledo Museum of Art. Garcia's "Burning Bush" also holds international acclaim, with one variation of the sculpture created in Toledo Spain. Artist Statement The great artists and styles of the past inspire, teach and free us to express our creativity in a personal way. I feel strong influenced by many favorite artists, but I’m most directly influenced and excited by nature, especially the characteristics of the ever-changing sky, trees, and aspects of water. I marvel at how these elements are realistic and so abstract at the same time and may be depicted so beautifully either way. |
James Havens
Woodville, Ohio
Title: Red Planet
Material: Stainless Steel $ 15,000.00 |
About the Artist
Upon retirement after a 30-year career with the Ironworkers Local 55 out of Toledo, Ohio, James threw himself into sculpting with steel. In 2000 he was recruited by Owens Community College to teach Artistic Welding, a popular class with students of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom currently compete with their teacher (to his great satisfaction). Since 2005, Havens has organized an annual “Sculpture in the Village” show and the Havens Studio is host to the Toledo Area Sculptors Guild. James works in polished stainless steel, painted steel, and bronze. His background in ironwork assures that his pieces are as sound, stable, and virtually indestructible as they are beautiful. Havens, who works out of his Gibsonburg studio, has not only won numerous awards and recognition for his artwork, but also received the prestigious Jefferson Award for his extensive work using art to improve the local community. His work has included the design and implementation of the Public Safety Service Memorial in Gibsonburg; the creation of metal sculptures that are displayed in many locations across Northwest Ohio; and the founding of the annual Sculpture in the Village Arts & Wine Fest and Sculpture in the Village, which is he has coordinated for 20 years. |
Ray Katz
Pontiac, Michigan
Title: Red/Green Construction
Medium: Mild Steel $ 25,000.00 |
About the Artist
Ray Katz holds an M.F.A. from Wayne State University (sculpture), a Bachelor of Science in fine arts from Eastern Michigan University (drawing, ceramics, sculpture), and attended the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts (drawing, painting). He retired from teaching after 42 years as a professor of art at the Auburn Hills campus of Oakland Community College. The artist has maintained a prolific art career from his Pontiac studio since the mid-70s. His work has been exhibited throughout the country as well as Japan and France and can be found in private, corporate, and institutional collections. He was recently featured in the documentary, Ray Katz, American Sculptor. Sculpture Overview Red/Green Construction is a striking 12-foot-tall sculpture featuring a colorful and abstract geometric composition. Crafted from mild steel that has been meticulously fabricated, welded, and painted, the piece is both visually engaging and structurally impressive. Ray Katz, renowned for his ambitious and complex use of geometric shapes, creates a sense of space and visual balance that captivates viewers. The vibrant colors are not just for visual appeal; they play a significant symbolic role in his work. Through abstract manipulation, Katz instills a rhythm, action, and movement in the sculpture, conveying the implied energy that animates his art. Artist Statement "I combine colored geometric and organic elements to create compositions that convey the kinetic energy implied in my work. The implied energy of my compositional structures has become a metaphor for an evolutionary process that I associate with human experience. Through the creative process a hierarchy of elements become symbols for ideas that are a tribute to the transcendental experience we commonly share, and in the transcendent experiences inherent in life’s journey. Color is associated symbolism. Whether a flag, logo, skin color, or spiritual essence or social convictions, color moves people’s emotions and convictions and are often associated with their beliefs or struggles. I use color because the properties of color are associated with social, political and spiritual beliefs inherent in the cosmology of all people." |
Pam Reithmeier
Monclova, Ohio
Title: Hens & Chicks
Medium: Steel & Aluminum $ 5,000.00 |
About the Artist
Pamela Reithmeier of Monclova Ohio was born and raised in Toledo Ohio. She has a master’s degree in special education from The University of Toledo and has retired after teaching for 34 years. She started sculpting in 2002 and has been recognized with numerous awards and commissions for her artwork. Her sculptures have been on display in galleries, juried shows, and private collections throughout Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and Florida. She is currently president of the Toledo Area Sculptures Guild and past instructor of the Art Welding class at Owens Community College. Sculpture Overview Hens & Chicks is a delightful departure from Pam Reithmeier’s signature single flower sculptures. This vibrant bouquet of whimsical, hand-painted flowers showcases the regional artist’s deep inspiration from nature, transforming it into a playful and joyful work of art. Each flower in the bouquet is adorned with a unique poured aluminum face at its center, adding a touch of intrigue and personality. The sculpture is dynamic and engaging, offering a different perspective from every angle—much like a real bouquet. The use of vivid colors and playful petals ensures that this piece not only captures attention but also brings a smile, leaving a lasting visual impact on all who encounter it. Artist Statement "I wanted to explore the lost wax method and mold making. An aluminum pour was scheduled at the foundry of the Toledo Area Sculptors Guild, so I got busy making wax molds of faces. The smaller faces on the flowers were from a doll I purchased from Good Will." |
Andy Sacksteder
Port Clinton, Ohio
Title: Tree Hugger
Medium: Bronze $ 65,000.00 Tree Hugger is sponsored by Rich and Carla Brundrett 
Title: UPlifting
Medium: Bronze $ 79,000.00 |
About the Artist
Andy Sacksteder is a self-taught sculptor renowned for his life-size bronze figures, a craft he discovered later in life. Initially a landscape designer, Andy’s journey into sculpting began at age 52 after a back injury compelled him to explore a new creative path. Turning to clay, he immersed himself in the study of figurative art, quickly establishing himself as a remarkable talent. His breakthrough came in 2013 when his sculpture UPlifting earned third place in the prestigious ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, out of a field of 1,500 artists. Two years later, his piece Reach and Splash won first place in the installation category at the same competition, solidifying his reputation in the art world. Andy’s soaring career has since led to notable installations across the country, from Texas to New York, and Michigan—including the iconic Mackinac Island. His exceptional work continues to leave a lasting mark on the world of sculpture. Sculpture Overview Tree Hugger is a captivating 8-foot bronze sculpture by Andy Sacksteder, inspired by the tender bond between a mother and her child. The sculpture beautifully captures a young mother in the serene yoga tree pose, while her daughter lovingly hugs her leg, gazing up in search of attention and admiration. The attention to detail in the physique and expressions creates an immediate and heartfelt connection with viewers. Perched on a 36-inch granite base, Tree Hugger exudes both strength and warmth, making it a charming and relatable piece that resonates with all who encounter it. Artist Statement "This bronze statue tells the story of a young woman in her early thirties. She is smart, strong, and accomplished. In the past few years she has finished her education, started a new career, gotten married, bought a home, and had children. Student loans, a mortgage, husband, children, and career all demanding pieces of her time and energy. She strives for balance and knows she must stay centered, flexible, and strong. Multitasking is her middle name. The statue is in TREE pose (yoga) as her daughter HUGs her leg, looking for her attention and looking up to her." Sculpture Overview UPlifting is an award-winning 8-foot bronze sculpture designed to be in a fountain. Water serves as the central theme and inspiration for this piece, intended to flow over the bodies of Native American dancers, adding dynamic light, movement, and sound to the viewer's experience. Although the Perrysburg Sculpture Walk cannot provide the water element, the strength and implied motion of the beautifully crafted figures make this sculpture a must-see. UPlifting achieved international acclaim by securing 3rd place at the prestigious ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, standing out among 1,500 artists from around the world. Artist Statement "UPlifting is my first attempt at sculpting the human body without clothing. My challenge was to accurately capture the fluidity of movement as muscles, bones and tendons are flexed and stretched in dance. Water is the central theme and inspiration for “Uplifting.” It is said that about 70 percent of the human body is made up of water, and coincidentally, more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water. The dancers are celebrating the water that sustains and nurtures plants, animals and humans. They are IN and OF the water. My sculpture is displayed in a pond that I created, using stones that I hand picked from Lakes Superior, Michigan and Erie. “Uplifting” is fabricated to be a fountain, or water feature. Water runs from and over the dancer’s bodies, adding light, movement and sound to the visual experience. Thanks to Coopermill Bonzeworks of Zanesvlle, OH, for their outstanding skill and artistry in moulding and casting my sculpture." |
Mike Sohikian
Genoa, Ohio
Title: Balance 1
Medium: Salvaged Steel $ 20,000.00 
Title: Madame Butterfly Industrial
Medium: Salvaged Steel & Concrete $ 15,000.00 |
About the Artist
Mike Sohikian, of Genoa Ohio is a retired ironworker. His distinguished 34-year career earned him the nickname “Iron Mike” for his legendary capabilities in the field. As a full-time sculptor, he still approaches his artwork as an ironworker but advances with the artful eye of a fine artist. Both skill sets intersect when he uses the tools of his trade to bend, cut and shape steel by hand creating one-of- a-kind expressive figurative work. His paintings and sculptures have been published in feature articles and numerous art publications. Most noteworthy is inclusion in The Sculpture Reference (illustrated) by Arthur Williams and four Schiffer Publishing Collectors Editions. He has been recognized with numerous awards, feature articles, and has been featured on area news stations. His paintings and sculptures can be found in over 500 art collections nationwide and in juried sculpture exhibits across the tri-state region. Sculpture Overview Balance 1 is Mike Sohikian’s latest artistic creation, making its debut at the Perrysburg Sculpture Walk. Standing at an impressive 12 feet 6 inches, this striking sculpture evokes a sense of nostalgia, harkening back to the joyful days of childhood when watching trained seals perform balancing acts was a thrilling spectacle. The seal, ball, and base are masterfully composed from salvaged steel, sourced from iconic buildings and bridges in the Toledo area. This fusion of reclaimed materials with a playful theme not only pays homage to the past but also breathes new life into the steel, creating a work of art that resonates with both history and whimsy. Sculpture Overview Madame Butterfly Industrial is a remarkable 10-foot-tall sculpture that blends various techniques of reusing salvaged steel. The sculpture’s enormous wings are crafted from curved steel beams, evoking the delicate form of butterfly wings. At the heart of the piece is a feminine figure, meticulously constructed from individual steel circles, welded together to create a graceful silhouette. Adding a touch of softness to the industrial medium, the figure’s concrete-cast face and a wing are adorned with hand torch-cut and butterflies. This juxtaposition of hard steel and delicate detailing creates a harmonious balance between the industrial and the feminine. Resting on a 9-foot steel beam, the sculpture not only emphasizes its industrial roots but also elegantly contrasts the opposing concepts of strength and grace. Artist Statement "My art is simply translating a thought, a sound, a word, or phrase into a visual image." |
John SauvéBrighton, Michigan
Title: Man in the City
Medium: Steel $ 15,000.00 |
About the Artist
John Sauvé of Brighton Michigan is the artist and creator behind the phenomenon called The Man in the City Project. At this point in time there are over 100 Man in the City sculptures on rooftops across Detroit, in Windsor, Canada, Michigan, Illinois, and they were exhibited on the landmark High Line in New York City as well as Governor’s Island in New York City. Perrysburg has the large-scale version of Man in the City on display. In keeping with the artist's goal to encourage people to look up and look around to see their surroundings, community members and visitors will find the ten-foot sculpture installed in plain sight in a pocket park called Mile Marker Park. Sculpture Overview Man in the City by John Sauvé is a striking 10-foot-tall bright orange silhouette of a man in a fedora, standing proudly in Perrysburg's smallest park. This sculpture, located on Sandusky Street, is part of the Perrysburg Sculpture Walk and serves as a playful “seek and find” feature of the exhibit. Inspired by the concept of placemaking through art, Sauvé's sculpture invites viewers to engage with their surroundings in a unique way. True to the artist's vision of encouraging people to look up and observe their environment, this "Man in the City" stands in plain sight in Mile Marker Park, which contains a historic mile marker dating to Perrysburg's initial boundary. The city is proud to display this piece, which adds an element of surprise and discovery to the Sculpture Walk experience. Artist Statement "The Man in the City Project creates a metaphor for life that transforms the skyline, or grounds it stands on and encourages people to look around. To activate the skyline and encourage people to look around. In the process of looking and finding, one re-assesses one's own position in the world and becomes aware of one's scale within the very fabric of the city. Man in the City is as much about the sculpture as it is about the people and the locations involved in the project." |
Bryant K. Tubbs
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Title: Odyssey
Medium: Corten & Stainless Steel $ 9,500.00 |
About the Artist
Born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Bryant K. Tubbs has always had a passion for the arts. His creative journey began with woodworking, but it was after earning his welding certificate that he discovered his true calling in metalwork. His first foray into metal art was restoring a 1965 Ford Mustang, an experience that sparked a deep fascination with metal fabrication. The ability to bend and twist metal into any desired shape became a driving force in his artistic expression. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from seasoned artists and collectors alike, Bryant made the life-changing decision to pursue his passion as a full-time artist. Today, he showcases his work at art shows across the United States, where his distinctive sculptures continue to grow opportunities and audiences. Bryant's creations range from representational to abstract forms, each designed to bring lasting beauty to the spaces they inhabit and to be cherished for years to come. Sculpture Overview Odyssey, is created out of Corten and stainless steel. It was a collaboration between husband and wife, Bryant and Sharon Tubbs. The sculpture is a standing testament to the creative process. The piece started as a simple stainless-steel triangle and gradually evolved over six months into its final form. The partners utilized techniques such as welding, twisting, and bending to manipulate the metals, creating a sculpture that invites interpretation. The abstract nature of 'Odyssey' gives viewers room to interpret the sculpture in various ways, allowing personal associations to shape their experience. Its form could be seen as an abstract figure or something entirely different, leaving its meaning open to interpretation. The title also hints at a connection to Homer's The Odyssey, evoking the figure of Odysseus, adding another layer of depth to the sculpture's significance. Artist Statement: "The title "Odyssey" reflects the creative journey taken during its creation. What started as a straightforward concept transformed into a unique and expressive work, with each new element adding to its abstract and modern aesthetic. The result is a piece that captures the spirit of exploration and innovation, offering a timeless quality that can enhance any environment. We create art pieces from steel and exotic metals that delve beyond the medium of metal and add elements of sculpture and form, creating art pieces that have a timeless quality and the ability to enhance their surroundings." |
Michael Young
Chicago, Illinois
Title: Quantum Flock
Medium: Aluminum $ 30,000.00 |
About the Artist
Michael Young is a distinguished Chicago-based artist renowned for his site-specific public sculptures and light-based installations. With a career spanning over three decades, Young’s custom artwork and designs have been featured in a wide array of public and private collections both in the United States and internationally. Notable projects include permanent exhibition designs for the National Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, as well as commissioned works for major corporations such as McDonald’s, Hyatt Hotels, and RDD Tokyo. His art also graces educational institutions like Ballou Senior High School and River Terrace Special Education Center in Washington, D.C., and Carthage College in Wisconsin, in addition to numerous private collections. Young’s creative process, from concept to installation, is deeply influenced by the values and character of each site and its surrounding community. With a background in science—specifically botany and ecology—acquired during his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Young’s work often explores the interdependence of natural elements. His expertise spans a diverse range of materials, including aluminum, bronze, stainless steel, wood, glass, and light, all of which he meticulously fabricates with a keen sensitivity to site and environment. Artist Statement: "I’ve been interested in developing science around quantum physics. The idea of things being in two places at once was illustrated referring to an M.C. Escher print with birds going in two ways simultaneously." |
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Brundrett Family |
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