Saturday, June 1, 2013

Nashua International Sculpture Symposium 2013


Tony Jimenez grinding a weld on one of the pieces of his sculpture "Family".

When we visited the Finca La Anita ranch in Costa Rica last year, Pablo, the owner suggested we stop by the gallery of his friend, Tony Jimenez. We didn't get to meet Tony then, but we enjoyed looking at his sculptures, primarily wood with detail elements of metal. I loved how he turned bicycle chains into hair on his abstract female forms.

Yesterday my daughter, Shelby, called me, very excited to tell me she had just met Tony. She had gone on a bike ride with a group in Nashua, NH, and one lady mentioned stopping by the sculpture symposium she had heard about.

This turned out to be the 6th annual Nashua International Sculpture Symposium, running through June 7 at Ultima Nimco, 1 Pine Sts Extension. This year it features 3 Central and South American artists, among them Tony. The others are Miguel Angel Velit from Peru, and Julio Aguilera, from Venezuela, who now lives in Nashua.

On June 8, the sculptures they're building will be presented to the city of Nashua for installation at various parks. A number of pieces from past symposia are located throughout the city. The Nashua Telegraph has a nice article about the symposium. Shelby and I went back today so I could meet Tony and get photos.


Tony told me he won't paint these, he'll let them weather.


This model shows what the final "Family" will look like.


Tony and Shelby in front of the "Family" members completed so far.

Tony was very surprised yesterday when Shelby told him about visiting his gallery on Pablo's recommendation. Today she brought the little wooden espiritillo she had bought there.

Tony started doing sculpture at 19. This is his first time abroad with his art. He told me he loves being at the symposium, seeing the world so large, yet sometimes so small. This is also the first time he's worked entirely in metal, so he said he's learning a lot of new things.

Miguel Angel Velit was busy on two project. He paints as well as sculpts. He moved back and forth between the scrap-metal bus he was building and several abstract paintings. He showed me his sketchbook with a variety of ideas for the symposium.


Miguel Angel Velit with his bus sculpture.


Miguel's sketch for the bus concept.


I liked this one. It looked like it was walking along.


Working on several canvases.


Grinding to clean metal in preparation for welding.


Welding the piece in place.

Julio Aguilera was busy working on an ambitious triple set of legs. Tony told me they represent Latin Americans ascending in North America, while their upper bodies are rooted back in their home countries.


Julio Aguilera fitting a piece in place so he can weld it.

One of the fun things about this symposium is that it's a chance for the public to see art being born. If you're in the area before it finishes, stop by to see.