July 21 - September 30, 2007

Founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of prominent sculptors, architects, and allied professionals, the National Sculpture Society fosters and promotes the development and appreciation of American sculpture. Its members focus attention exclusively on the literal interpretations of forms found in nature—from the human figure to the bird in flight. Since its founding, members of the National Sculpture Society have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals. Whether straightforward or symbolic in concept, works by its members are diverse in voice and expression as they are similar in their shared inspiration.

The Society’s 74th Annual Awards Exhibition showcases some of the best recent sculpture created by sculptors from across the United States, while celebrating the evolving tradition of figurative sculpture in America. Among the 34 works showcased in the exhibition, 11 sculptures represent the animal form, each unique in its interpretation of the subject. The human figure, interpreted both directly and symbolically, is the most common theme in the exhibition, and the range of media includes wood, marble and bronze. Featured works were created by sculptors from the U.S., Norway and South Africa.

The Annual is the National Sculpture Society’s most popular exhibition. Over 200 applied to the juried competition. Although built on the foundation of realism, the artwork in this exhibition cannot be labeled “old-fashioned.” Each work will intrigue, amuse or energize visitors with its imaginative and skillfully interpreted forms. The exhibition is organized by the Tampa Museum of Art and the National Sculpture Society.