Robert Russin Exhibition
Donation protected
The Nicolaysen Art Museum is located in Casper - the heart of Wyoming. We believe art is what makes us human. We believe contemporary art inspires important discussion about ourselves and the world in which we all live, building community through a greater understanding and appreciation of each other. We believe art stimulates the hearts and minds of everyone who comes in contact with it because creativity is an essential element of a joyful life.
To this end, we would like help in raising the funds to pay for the costs associated with bringing a Robert Russin exhibit to Casper. The upcoming exhibition on Robert Russin at the Nicolaysen Art Museum would consist of several sculptures and studies and well as dozens of drawings and paintings spanning his career. Many works on paper have never been publicly exhibited and reveal a dynamic artist with multiple talents. From his early work with the Works Progress Administration right up to his death in 2007, this exhibition will showcase the unforgettable art of one of Wyoming’s greatest sculptors.
Robert is an inspiration to the country, having pieces spread throughout the United States including Casper. With your support, we know we can share more of his art with our patrons!
Robert Russin (August 26, 1914 - December 13, 2007) was an American sculptor, artist and University of Wyoming professor. He was best known for a number of public sculptures throughout the United States, including the "Spirit of Life" fountain sculpture located at the City of Hope National Medical Center in California and a giant bust of Abraham Lincoln, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, located on I-80 in Wyoming.
Russin was born in New York City on August 26, 1914. He received both his bachelor's degree and master's degree from the City College of New York. He won two federal sculpture competitions by the age of 25. The inspiration that he found in the state and family health reasons prompted him to move to Wyoming in his mid-thirties. He accepted a teaching position in 1947 at the University of Wyoming. Russin remained at UW's Department of Art for nearly 40 years and continued to reside in Wyoming for 60 years.
Russin was known for his public sculptures, by one account numbering more than 400 worldwide. His works include bronze figurative sculptures. He won his first major commission in 1938 for two monumental bas-reliefs at the post office in Evanston, Illinois. His sculpting skills garnered increased recognition, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship to work in Italy and study the Renaissance masters. The New York native continued to return to Italy during his life to "work on projects in the marble yards and foundries there.”
Casper, Wyoming is home to other major outdoor works by Russin, including "Fountainhead" (City Hall); "Man and Energy" (Casper College); and "Prometheus" (Natrona County Public Library - pictured above). Russin also won a commission to create the "Spirit of Life" fountain at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, which was officially dedicated in 1967. Russin's other well-known pieces include the "Wyoming Crystal", which stands at the Wyoming State Capitol, and the "Chthonodynamis", a granite statue which stands at the United States Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Nicolaysen Art Museum is dedicated to serving Casper and the surrounding communities. “Be The Cultural Anchor” is their vision and they believe art is what makes us human. We are thankful for the support of our community, both locally and nationwide.
Help us bring Robert Russin art to Casper!
To this end, we would like help in raising the funds to pay for the costs associated with bringing a Robert Russin exhibit to Casper. The upcoming exhibition on Robert Russin at the Nicolaysen Art Museum would consist of several sculptures and studies and well as dozens of drawings and paintings spanning his career. Many works on paper have never been publicly exhibited and reveal a dynamic artist with multiple talents. From his early work with the Works Progress Administration right up to his death in 2007, this exhibition will showcase the unforgettable art of one of Wyoming’s greatest sculptors.
Robert is an inspiration to the country, having pieces spread throughout the United States including Casper. With your support, we know we can share more of his art with our patrons!
Robert Russin (August 26, 1914 - December 13, 2007) was an American sculptor, artist and University of Wyoming professor. He was best known for a number of public sculptures throughout the United States, including the "Spirit of Life" fountain sculpture located at the City of Hope National Medical Center in California and a giant bust of Abraham Lincoln, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, located on I-80 in Wyoming.
Russin was born in New York City on August 26, 1914. He received both his bachelor's degree and master's degree from the City College of New York. He won two federal sculpture competitions by the age of 25. The inspiration that he found in the state and family health reasons prompted him to move to Wyoming in his mid-thirties. He accepted a teaching position in 1947 at the University of Wyoming. Russin remained at UW's Department of Art for nearly 40 years and continued to reside in Wyoming for 60 years.
Russin was known for his public sculptures, by one account numbering more than 400 worldwide. His works include bronze figurative sculptures. He won his first major commission in 1938 for two monumental bas-reliefs at the post office in Evanston, Illinois. His sculpting skills garnered increased recognition, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship to work in Italy and study the Renaissance masters. The New York native continued to return to Italy during his life to "work on projects in the marble yards and foundries there.”
Casper, Wyoming is home to other major outdoor works by Russin, including "Fountainhead" (City Hall); "Man and Energy" (Casper College); and "Prometheus" (Natrona County Public Library - pictured above). Russin also won a commission to create the "Spirit of Life" fountain at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, which was officially dedicated in 1967. Russin's other well-known pieces include the "Wyoming Crystal", which stands at the Wyoming State Capitol, and the "Chthonodynamis", a granite statue which stands at the United States Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Nicolaysen Art Museum is dedicated to serving Casper and the surrounding communities. “Be The Cultural Anchor” is their vision and they believe art is what makes us human. We are thankful for the support of our community, both locally and nationwide.
Help us bring Robert Russin art to Casper!
Organizer and beneficiary
Mary Koernig
Organizer
Casper, WY
The NIC
Beneficiary
