My work has been most influenced by the graceful beauty of Harriet Frishmuth’s (1890-1990) lyrical sculpture, and the dynamic gesture of Donald DeLue’s (1897-1988) powerful mythical male figures. Since I began sculpting my focus has been upon the athletic human figure. Through my work I hope to express energy, balance, and joyful movement of the classical figure in a contemporary idiom—short on angst, long on visual captivation. As my art evolves, I anticipate that past architectural training and interests will influence my compositions, as they have in my second sculpture titled “Free Fall.” Thomas ZahnThe Experience
I studied art and architecture at the University of Notre Dame and Washington University in St. Louis, and received my Master of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota. Through my work as the Project Manager for the Save Outdoor Sculpture! Program for Minnesota, (1992-96), I developed an initial appreciation of the American figurative tradition. With this newfound interest, through time I assembled a significant late-19th to early-20th century figurative French, German and American bronze collection. Realizing that I would soon go broke if I didn’t find another outlet for my passion, I decided to begin hands-on training in bronze casting.
Previously, I had demonstrated a proficiency in the two-dimensional fine arts of photography, drawing, and painting, had extensive architectural training, and felt that I would enjoy working in the three-dimensional discipline. In the spring of 2000 I began taking sculpture studio at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. My first major bronze, The Gymnast, completed in 2001 was featured on the invitation to the 2002 Minnesota Sculptors show in Minneapolis’ Premier Gallery and the male figure also received the shows highest honor. Castings of The Gymnast are in a private collection in Chicago, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, and Thailand.
Also in 2002, a jury from the New York based National Sculpture Society selected my second bronze of a diver, titled Free Fall, to appear in their Sports Sculpture show in Manhattan. I was one of 41 contemporary American sculptors to be represented in the national exhibition. In the spring of 2003, Free Fall was featured on the invitation to the Highlights & Shadows sculpture show at the Art Resources Gallery in International Market Square. Through that show, the male figure sculpture received the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Choice Award. My third work titled Seeking Center is a half-life sized male figure seeking balance on a ball. It is being cast in an edition of 5. Castings are part of private collections in Minneapolis and Phoenix.
In 2012, Free Fallreceived the Best of Show award at the Society of Minnesota Sculptor's Annual Exhibition that was held at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson Wisconsin.
In 2014 I was one of 48 sculptors selected to exhibit at the National Sculpture Society's 81st Annual Awards Exhibition at Brookgreen Gardens, Pawneys Island, South Carolina. The Annual Exhibition is the NSS's most popular show offering multiple cash awards. My small, yet powerful piece Solo Dancewas juried into the exhibition for display at America's largest figurative sculpture park.
Balance, a tall classical figure balancing on a polished bronze ball, won Best in Show at the 2015 Society of Minnesota Sculptors Exhibition in the Great Hall of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The following year I was sponsored as a "Spotlight Artist" by the Saint Paul Saints baseball team, and Archer with Long Bow was selected to appear in a special exhibition at the Schmidt Brewery Landmark Gallery during the 2016 City of Saint Paul Art Crawl.
Most recently, the figure Morning received 2nd Place at the 2018 Annual Society of Minnesota Sculptors Awards Exhibition which was held at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson Wisconsin.
Since the casting of my first bronze sculpture I have rapidly achieved professional and public recognition for the powerful design sense of my figurative bronzes. I am a member of the National Sculpture Society and presently serve as the President of the Society of Minnesota Sculptors.
Collections & Galleries
In 2005, the Morrison Gallery at Chicago Place on North Michigan Avenue became my first Illinois representative. Located along Chicago's Miracle Mile, the Morrison Gallery marketed my figurative work in the downtown area. More recently I have been showing at the Leigh Gallery at 3306 N. Halsted St. in Chicago.
Exhibition Galleries
Art Resources Gallery, Minneapolis
Art Resources Gallery, Saint Paul
Atrium Exhibition Space, New York City
Bloomington Art Center, Bloomington Minnesota
Brookgreen Gardens Rainey Gallery, South Carolina
Cornucopia Art Gallery, Lanesboro MinnesotaEdina Art Center, Edina MinnesotaGallery 13, Minneapolis
Master Framers, Saint PaulMinnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen MinnesotaMinnetonka Center for the Arts, Wazata Minnesota
Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WisconsinPremier Gallery, Minneapolis
Public Functionary Gallery, Minneapolis
Schmidt Brewery Landmark Gallery, Saint Paul
Solar Arts Gallery, Minneapolis
Awards and RecongitionsThe Gymnast • Award of Excellence • Minnesota Sculptors 2002 Exhibition • Premier Gallery • MinneapolisSwan Dive • One of 41 pieces selected by National Sculpture Society for Sports Exhibition 2002 • Manhattan
Free Fall • American Society of Interior Designers Choice Award • Art Resources Gallery • Minneapolis
Seeking Center • American Society of Interior Designers Choice Award • Art Resources Gallery • Minneapolis
Free Fall II • Best of Show • Minnesota Sculptors 2012 Exhibition • Phipps Art Center • Hudson, Wisconsin
Solo Dance • Selected for the 81st Annual NSS Awards Exhibition 2014 • Brookgreen Gardens, SC
Balance • Best of Show • Minnesota Sculptors 2015 Exhibition • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
The Archer • Spotlight Artist • 2016 Saint Paul Art Crawl • Schmidt Brewery Landmark Gallery, Saint Paul
Morning • 2nd Place Award • Minnesota Sculptors 2018 Exhibition • Phipps Center, Hudson Wisconsin
Publications
“A quick study in bronze,” Avenues Newspaper, December 2003, Saint Paul
“Work of Art,” Saint Paul magazine, Spring 2009, Saint Paul