News
I am honored to be included in this new book by Thomas D. Lidtke & Annemarie Sawkins. Thank you for including my work!!!
The book can be purchased through the Cedarburg Art Museum.
The book can be purchased through the Cedarburg Art Museum.
Chicago Tribune
Monday January 24, 2022 Mundelein approves downtown sculpture By James T. Norman Pioneer Press Mundelein’s Village Board Monday narrowly approved that a new statue be installed in the heart of town, but some in the community are unsure about potential religious connotations related to the art piece. Trustees meanwhile voiced concerns over community input and the location. The sculpture, a 10-foot-tall metallic piece resembling a flame created by Kenosha-based artist Bruce Niemi, was originally named, “Glorious Ascent.” While officials clarified the name can be changed once purchased by the village, the item caused a stir for some who worry the art is an example of Mundelein potentially showing a religious preference. The Mundelein Arts Commission approved the purchase of the statue at its Jan. 17 meeting, pending Village Board approval. The total cost will come out to $35,000. Officials said they expect the sculpture to be installed in late spring or early summer. The item garnered attention on social media leading up to Monday’s meeting. Questions about the piece’s location and name, as well as the level of community input, gave trustees pause when it came time to vote. Some in the community said they were concerned because of Niemi’s stated inspiration. On his website, Niemi says his sculptures are derived from “my love for God who gave me this gift of creativity and the beauty and wonder of the heavens and earth He created.” Officials said Niemi has had 56 permanent public sculptures featured throughout the U.S. and Europe, including hospitals, libraries, schools and Vernon Hills Village Hall. They also said Niemi has connections to Mundelein. Village officials said the art commission aimed to pick a piece that would have, “objective mass appeal, rather than something more polarizing or subjective in nature,” and clarified that religion was not involved in the decision. They added that they felt public art would help enhance the community. “It is a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art does contribute to a community’s identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging,” Village Planner Colleen Malec said at the meeting. |
Daily Herald
Mundelein mayor breaks tie in vote to purchase sculpture for downtown |
April 2021 issue of ArtScene Magazine Milwaukee, WI
Pages 18-20
Thank you Lilypad West Gallery and Ryan for the nice writeup!
https://issuu.com/footlights/docs/artscene_april?fr=sMWY4ZTE4MDYwMTM
Pages 18-20
Thank you Lilypad West Gallery and Ryan for the nice writeup!
https://issuu.com/footlights/docs/artscene_april?fr=sMWY4ZTE4MDYwMTM
I just finished a cross for Life Spring Church in Spring Grove, IL.
The installation is scheduled for 2022
The installation is scheduled for 2022
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Gardner-Colby Gallery - Naples, FL
Lilypad West - Milwaukee, WI
Mitchell-Hill - Charleston, SC
ADC West - Cincinnati, OH
Gardner-Colby Gallery - Naples, FL
Lilypad West - Milwaukee, WI
Mitchell-Hill - Charleston, SC
ADC West - Cincinnati, OH
New Article on Voyage Chicago - May 15, 2018
http://voyagechicago.com/interview/meet-bruce-niemi/
http://voyagechicago.com/interview/meet-bruce-niemi/
