Our community will have a unique opportunity to view the work of Sharon Fullingim, an accomplished stone sculptor from Socorro, New Mexico.
Sharon is recognized nationally.
My wife and I had the opportunity to meet with Sharon at her rural workshop, and were completely astonished with her sculptures.
Sharon is self taught, and is a natural. As a child, she made figures from bars of soap, and has had the sculpting “bug” ever since.
Entering her workshop we immediately noticed the absence of power tools. Her pieces are crafted the way stone workers have sculpted for centuries, with chisels and hammers.
Sharon could be described as a tough lady with a kind heart and loving soul. Growing up with a ranching background, she definitely knows how to work. Now in her sixties, she still has a firm handshake and physical prowess obviously maintained by her everyday activity in the shop.
Her accomplishments are numerous. Two most noteworthy are her acceptance to display at the prestigious Phippen Art Museum in Prescott, Ariz., and her yearly classes she had teaches at The Indiana Limestone Symposium.
Those familiar with western art know the Phippen is recognized around the world. Artwork accepted to that institution, is analyzed by museum jurors with the highest level of scrutiny. Any artist knows, if someone’s work in in the Phippen, they are the real deal!
Another one of her activities is teaching classes outside of Bloomington, Indiana each summer. Her students are all ages, however she spends much time mentoring younger people interested in sculpting.
Occasionally a person has a natural proclivity for this type of work. It involves demanding physical work and an artistic eye. Paraphrasing she said, this combination is not easily found in the sculpting world. When I see those qualities in a younger person, it’s exhilarating.
Sharon absolutely loves what she does, and readily shares her knowledge with anyone.
This is a rare opportunity. Come and meet Sharon on Saturday Nov. 2, from 6-8 p.m.
If you cannot be there, her fabulous work will be on display for the entire month.
