r By Isaiah Price
Local sculptor Gary Lee Price’s limited edition, bronze statue “Circle of Friends” has been accepted into the National Sculpture Society’s “A Blessing of Animals” show in New York City this summer.
The “A Blessing of Animals” show opens on June 10 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan, New York. On Sept. 10, the show will close in Manhattan and move to Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. It will open again on Oct. 1 and run through Jan. 31, 2018.
“Animals are an essential part of our happiness on this planet. By including an animal from each of the seven continents, I’ve represented the entire world and our need for interaction and cooperation. Just as in my human version, ‘Circle of Peace,’ ‘Circle of Friends’ represents respect for each other’s uniqueness. Combined with understanding, any gap or indifferences can be bridged.,” Price said. “The circle represents the world coming together, ‘paws’ clasped in friendship and unity. This sculpture is not just visual, it’s also about interaction, and that’s when relationships begin. As children of all ages notice the gap, they’ll be prompted to complete the circle of life. I’ve left a space in the circle for you to join us, I invite your participation!”
Gary Lee Price, a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society, has been a successful, self-employed artist since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Utah in 1981. Thousands of his works can be found in public and private collections throughout the world including England, Hong Kong, Australia, Iceland, the United States and many more. Price’s pieces are also on display and for sale in 12 major galleries across the United States.
The 62-year-old sculptor resides in Mapleton with his wife Leesa Clark-Price. Together they have nine children and 12 grandchildren. He credits his success to his mother, who instilled in Price the ability to express himself through art, and to his children, who provide constant inspiration. “My passion for art and my belief that art empowers and lifts the human spirit has only grown stronger throughout my life. I have been blessed with many generous and selfless mentors, and my dream is to pass on those gifts to others,” he said. Price believes in “perpetual student-hood” and teaches regularly at his studio and other venues.
“I hope I can assist the world in visualizing a place where fences and boundaries, both real and imagined, are non-existent; a place where bias and prejudice are long forgotten; and finally, a place where acts of kindness, mutual respect and love are everyday happenings,” Price said.
For more information, visit garyleeprice.com, or contact him by email at info@garyleeprice.com or by phoen at 801-489-6852.
