Opening Soon: Sculpture by Kenneth M. Thompson – April 29

Undeniable Presence | April 29 – June 25, 2022

Free Public Opening Reception
Friday, April 29, from 6 – 9 p.m.

A solo exhibition featuring new monumental and pedestal work by the celebrated Blissfield, Michigan sculptor, Kenneth M. Thompson

20 North Gallery and the artist will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free, public opening reception on Friday, April 29, from 6 – 9 p.m. The event will feature a free, light tapas buffet and cash bar by Venue.

We are working to keep you safe—Masks are recommended in the gallery, regardless of vaccination status. We kindly request that individuals who feel unwell/are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 remain at home. At the reception, our event capacity limits will be observed.

This exhibit continues through June 25, 2022.

"Panels and Wedges" steel with ferric and graphite patina by Kenneth M. Thompson — “Panels and Wedges” steel with ferric and graphite patina by Kenneth M. Thompson

Kenneth M. Thompson (Blissfield, Michigan)
Ken Thompson holds an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Siena Heights University (Adrian, Michigan). In 1998, he received his Master of Liberal Studies in Sculpture from the University of Toledo (Ohio) following his graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti), Michigan State University (East Lansing) and Siena Heights College (Adrian, Michigan). Thompson received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking from Siena Heights College in 1977. Since 2004, he has served as the founder and owner of Flatlanders Sculpture Supply & Art Galleries and the Midwest Sculpture Initiative in Blissfield, Michigan, where he also maintains his studio.

A former instructor, Thompson has taught sculpture at institutions such as Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg, Tennessee), the University of Toledo, Center for Sculptural Studies (Ohio) and the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History (Jackson, Michigan). His expertise has been shared through numerous lectures and workshops throughout the region.

Thompson’s artworks of bronze casting, metal fabrication and stone carving have been widely-exhibited across the United States and Japan in juried competitions and group exhibitions including 100 for the One Hundredth in 2001 and the Toledo Area Artists Exhibit annually from 2002-2007 and in 2014, Toledo Museum of Art (Ohio); Toyohashi and Toledo Art Exchange, Toyohashi City Museum of Art and History (Japan); Annual University of Toledo Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2019, The University of Toledo; ArtPrize in 2009, 2010 (Grand Rapids, Michigan); City of Charleston Outdoor Sculpture Competition, North Charleston (South Carolina); Art on the River (Dubuque, Iowa); SPACES Sculpture Exhibit, University of Alabama (Huntsville); Visions 9 and Visions 10, Purdue University North Central (Westville, Indiana); 16 X 16 Invitational, Washington Street Gallery (Ann Arbor, Michigan); Toledo Federation of Art Societies 100^th Anniversary, Toledo School for the Arts (Ohio); University of Edinboro Sculpture Invitational, University of Edinboro (Pennsylvania); Dogwood Festival Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit in 2013 and 2014 (Knoxville, Tennessee); Moross Greenway Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, 2019-2021 (Detroit, Michigan).

"Aluminum Hatchet" aluminum and pine by Kenneth M. Thompson — “Aluminum Hatchet” aluminum and pine by Kenneth M. Thompson

Thompson has enjoyed over 30 solo exhibitions across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, with his most recent solo exhibitions being Ken Thompson: Recent Work and Studies at kickstART Gallery (Farmington, Michigan) and 20 North Gallery (Toledo, Ohio) in 2022.

Since 1997, the major focus of Thompson’s artistic career has been on large-scale, public sculpture, having completed over 70 commissions across the United States. These commissions include Reclamation Archway, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Detroit, Michigan); Peace Arch for the City of Toledo (Ohio) in honor of the veterans of the Vietnam War; Korean War Memorial (Toledo, Ohio); Centennial Arch (Sylvania, Ohio); Community Arch (Canton, Michigan). Other notable commissions include works at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Michigan); Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, Ohio); Children’s Park (Toledo, Ohio); Copley Chapel, Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.); the LCVA Millennium Project (Adrian, Michigan); St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Bryan, Ohio); Siena Heights University and the Dominican Motherhouse (Adrian, Michigan); the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s memorial to the Irish Potato Famine (Brooklyn, Michigan); Port St. Lucie Arch, Florida Atlantic University (Port St. Lucie); Alumni Plaza, Corpus Christi University Parish, (Toledo, Ohio), as well as over 10 projects for Jackson, Michigan.

I have always had a fascination with buildings and bridges, as well as the columns, posts, beams and arches that support them. I come to this world from a tradition of craftsmanship. I prefer to use materials that convey strength. I have always felt that good art should be well-made and that there is no excuse for poor craftsmanship.

I see each sculpture as a “clean sheet of paper” that presents new opportunities to discover solutions. Beyond content and suitability, my sculpture concentrates on the fundamental issues of form and how negative space defines it, as well as the techniques employed to create it. — Kenneth M. Thompson