Christopher B. Bennett Sculptor
26983 RT. J40
Keosauqua, IA 52565
(319) 592-3228
Artist's Statement
"My works are primarily human figures and animal wildlife, classically rendered. They emphasize the importance of relationships. Those include wisdom and innocence, family members with each other, children, men and women with each other, and with their country, also, animals in their environment. In order to capture the universality of life, I carefully observe the psyche and physical interactions of my subjects, whether people or wildlife."
Education
Naguib School of Sculpture, Chicago, Illinois
Figure modeling, molding, fired ceramic, bronze casting, and stone carving under the instruction of Mustafa Naguib.
University of Iowa City, Iowa
Sculpture and drawing under the instruction of Julius Schmidt.
University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
Sculpture and drawing.
Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
Ceramic sculpture, drawing, and painting under the direction of Dean Schwartz.
Experience
Over 40 years of experience in bronze, ceramics, welded steel, wood, stone, resin, cast iron, plaster, and cement.
Work includes over 60 public commissions and numerous private commissions, small reproductions, teaching, slide lectures, demonstrations, and exhibits.
Awarded Change, Inc., grant, 1998; Adolf and Esther Gottlieb emergency Assistance grant, 1998; Artist Fellowship Inc., grant, 1999; Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant, 1999.
Selected for an artist exchange program, Kufo City, Japan. Displayed three sculptures and created a ceramic portrait of the mayor of Kufo City.
Awarded Numerous Iowa Arts Council grants, including a research and observation grant to interview various artists in Yugoslavia.
Public Works Include:
Karl Ungurean Commemorative
Over life-size standing figure of a senior runner & organizer of the Bix 7 race, He is wearing running clothes, and holding a stopwatch and clipboard. Davenport, Iowa. (in progress), $ 72,360
I-29 Rest Stop Project
Architectural design team to create multiple art designs, integral to building a new rest stop on Interstate 29. The theme: Glenwood Culture, ancient indigenous tribe. six 12” x 48” descriptive column panels, porcelain enamel on steel. Two 6’ x 10’ window panels, bird migration. Film on acrylic and on water-jet cut aluminum. Five small bronze animals hidden for a treasure hunt. Mills County, IA 2023, $ 194,500
Mr. A. Commemorative
Mr. A: Life-size bronze sculpture of an older man seated on a steel park bench with a book positioned as if reading to a real child. Benton, IL, 2022
Bulldog Mascot
1.5 x life-size bronze bulldog, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 2020
Husky Mascot
Twice life-size bronze husky centered in Husky Plaza, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, (2019)
Donor Recognition Tree
Four by eight ft. birch panel with cutout applied dimensional Oak tree with vinyl leaf cluster patterns, brass covered donor leaves, Library Bonaparte, IA, (2019)
John Fletcher Lacey Commemorative
One and a third times life-size bronze bust of congressman and conservationist John Fletcher Lacey, Lacey State Park, Keosauqua, IA, (2019)
Tribute to the Arts
Colorful pod totem with 8 sculpture relief arts discipline icons, positioned over a yellow paint brush on a red standing handle. 13 ft. t. x 45" square, Art Center, Burlington, IA, 2018
Lee Gobble Commemorative
Life-size bronze image of Lee Gobble, "Mr. Fairfield", standing with his hand up, presenting the refurbished courthouse clock tower. Behind him, a colorful ceramic tile impression of his clothier tie collection, is spread out like a turkey tail feather display. Numerous details placed on the figure continue his story, set above a stone daffodil planter Civic Center, Fairfield, IA
Lou Henry Hoover Memorial
Over life-size bronze image of Lou Henry Hoover seated in a wicker lawn chair, her hand draped over a globe. Nine descriptive collage plaques of eras of her life mounted on three triangular 7 ft. tall limestone columns. Lou Hoover Birthplace Park, Waterloo, IA, 2016
Medivac Memorial
Over life-size set of bronze open hands holding a bronze helicopter in flight amongst aluminum clouds, Limestone pedestal and three cubes with memorial names, Medical Center, Mason City, IA 2015
Greyhound Mascot
Over life-size polished aluminum leaping greyhound positioned atop a set of 71/2 ft. tall x 9 1/2 ft. purple colored columns and steps. Bracewell Stadium, Burlington, IA 2015
Tommy Stahr Memorial
Life-size bronze painted aluminum bust of Tommy Stahr, an Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, mounted on a steel base with a laser cut guitar and eagle imagery, City Park, West Union, IA 2015
Goose Weathervane
Flock of six geese flying past a cattail and the full moon, bronze, steel, aluminum, 4 ft. high x 4 ft. long x 2 ft. wide. "Goose Town" neighborhood, Reno park gazeebo, Iowa City, IA, 2015
Citizen Soldier
Tri planed sculpture relief depicting two soldiers in high relief in the first plane, their citizen lives in bas relief in the second plane, Iowa landscape, cityscape, and clouds shape background in water jet cut and layered sections in the third plane, 14 ft. x 9 ft. x 6 in., Bronze, aluminum, steel, National Guard Armory, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2011
Vigilant Eagle
Eagle perched on post top starring alertly and vigilantly to the side positioned in front of a Iowa cloud-like water jet cut and layered shape, life-size eagle, 4 ft. x 4 ft. background, Bronze, aluminum, National Guard Armory, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2011
Ordnance Logo
Army Ordnance logo, water jet cut and layered shape, 4 ft. x 4 ft., bronze, aluminum, steel, National Guard Armory, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2011
Apple Tree Donor Recognition Wall
4 ft. x 8 ft. panel. Apple wood board background, slabbed apple tree trunk, main branch and minor branches, cut apple wood apples and leafs with calligraphically written donor names, brass hanger pins. Van Buren County Hospital, Keosauqua, IA, 2012
Serving Hands as the Fragrance of a Rose
A Tribute to Healthcare Workers, Four life-size, bronze figures standing atop a rose garden planter dressed in medical worker attire. Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, Marshalltown, Iowa 2011
W.T. Brookshire Commemorative
Life-size, bronze standing bronze figure, corporate headquarters Brookshire Grocery, Tyler, TX, 2009
Architectural Continuum
Life-size aluminum cutout figures, printed color contemporary and sepia historical imagery on Mylar and Plexiglas, 12' w. x 8 t. x 1' d. hanging above doors in atrium entrance, University of Northern Iowa, Innovative Teaching and Technology Center, Cedar Falls, IA, 2007
Parade Route
Life-size, bronze 2 figures, grandfather lifting grandson to his shoulders for a better view of a perceived parade. Main street, Shoreline, WA.
Prairie Preening
Life-size, bronze Red tail hawk perched on a hedge corner post crowned with barbed wire, while preening under its wing, Butler Community College, El Dorado, KS.
Descending Strength, Ascending Peace
50' x 75' landscaped area, 27' dia. plaza with "light fountain", 10.5' h. x 21' l. "furling" bronze wall, life-size eagle with six arrows, over-life-size dove with olive branch, 40' flag pole with flag, lighting, donor text brick. Veterans memorial, Ames, IA., 2006
Illinois Representative Douglas Hoeft Memorial
Life-size, bronze figure, seated on a park bench, River Walk Park, Elgin, IL. , 2005
Pool of Bethesda
Two life-size, bronze figures Jesus standing, and an invalid man kneeling arms outstretched, installed atop a flowing tiered fountain. Bethesda Lutheran Home Services corporate Headquarters, Watertown WI. 2004
Henry Anson Memorial
Life-size, bronze standing figure of city founder in a top coat, holding a bowler derby hat, on limestone pedestal, including a time capsule. Courthouse Square, Marshalltown, IA, 2004
Hugh Cantrell
Life size, bronze bust, on walnut pedestal, National Softball Hall of Fame, Nicholasville, KY , 2002
Reflective Tribute
Life-size bronze figure of Navy Ensign, life-size bronze relief figure of football player, 24' x 30" descriptive plaque, 25' x 18' site specific stone plaza, stone benches 7', stone pillars 7', hedged quiet space, W.W.II Memorial, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA , 2001
George Soumas Memorial
Life-size, bronze figure seated "at coffee" within Soumas Court, Hotel Pattee, Perry, IA , 2002
Clinton Street Scape Project
Life size, eagle, mink, snow geese (2), otter, heron, catfish, beaver, fox, bronze on stone bases, each central to 6 1/2' diameter x 2' high fountain, 15' dia. landscaped composition (8 fountains, 8 street corners), Clinton, IA. 2002
Lil' Slugger
Life size cold cast bronze bust of a boy wearing a baseball cap, Office of the Governor, state capitol, Des Moines, IA. 2001
Virginia Larson Memorial
Life-size, cold cast bronze figure of a little girl seated, reading a book, private memorial, library, Story City, IA. 2000
Stepping Stones
24' dia. fountain with over life-size bronze figure torsos, also 24" 1/3 life-size figures within 12' dia. quiet pool, 24' x 8" & 12' x 4" stainless steel circular tube framing, water fall, meadow, seating, landscaping, commissioned by Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, IA. 2001
Peace, Service, Community
Police/Fireman memorial, fountain with granite, stainless steel, and bronze, commissioned by the City of Cedar Rapids, IA, 2000
Nancy Neafie Memorial
Life-size figure, welded bronze sheet, commissioned by the City of Burlington, IA, 2000
Lady in Bloom
life-size plaster of woman in her ninth month of pregnancy. Commissioned by the Maternity Ward, Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa; 1999
Dr. Jesse Wasson Memorial
Life-size bronze torso, commissioned by the City of La Porte City, Iowa; 1998
Field of Honor
Eight life-size, bronze, era-specific military figures, Memorial to 20th Century Wars, Rockford Park District, Loves Park IL, 2010
A Caring Touch
Life-size bronze, (enlargement), Donna Young Design, commissioned by Trinity Hospital, Rock Island, IL. 1997
George Daily Memorial
Life-size bronze, commissioned by the George Daily Center, Oskaloosa, IA. 1997
Haulin' Gear
Life-size bronze, commissioned by the City Improvement Association, Charles City, IA. 1997
William Cay Memorial
16" x 18" x 6", bronze in 15' x 15' x 20' landscaped quiet space. Commissioned by the family for Jefferson County Park, Fairfield, Iowa; 1997.
Donor Recognition Wall
11' x 4 1/2' cast ceramic and carved oak panel, commissioned by the Medical and Surgical Center, Marshalltown, Iowa; 1996
An Old, Old Story
Heroic-size, bronze Indian couple walking, commissioned by Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa; 1995
Imparting Knowledge
Life-size bronze, Indian Chief teaching a youth, commissioned by Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA. 1995
A Veteran's Prayer for Eternal Peace
14 feet high, bronze hands in 185' x 90' Landscaped outdoor chapel, commissioned by Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA. 1994
Leapfrog
Life-size bronze, commissioned by the Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, IA. 1990
A Grandmother's Garden
Two life-size bronze figures, a child and a grandmother, landscaped share garden space, commissioned for Warren County Courthouse, Indianola, IA. 1988
Jack Trice
Life-size bronze standing figure, memorial to first black football player of Ames College commissioned by Iowa State University, Ames, IA 1988, Jack Trice Memorial Stadium
I Plant
Life-size bronze torso bust of Bertha Jacobsen, a farm woman, community-minded person, gardener, and philanthropist. She is depicted smiling and planting a handful of seeds, Tama Civic Center, Tama, IA 1986
Generations
30' x 36' plaster relief, commissioned by the City of Fairfield, Fairfield, IA 1985
Mayor Chuzohara
Life-size ceramic portrait of the Kufo City Mayor of Kufo City, Japan 1984
Dancers
Life-size plaster, Ottumwa Regional Medical Center, Ottumwa, IA. 1983
William Coop and Friend
Life-size bronze of two seated figures of a modern boy with a pioneer man, commissioned for the Central Park, Fairfield, IA 1981
Commemorative Wall
8 life-size relief busts, with text of life history, of various significant priests and teachers, Loyola Academy, Wilmette, IL.
Corporate and Private Works Include:
Black Angel
Three-foot-tall bronze replica of a nine foot tall angel with outstretched arms and wings overlooking a grave site in a protective manner. Private cemetery, 2022
Morris Memorial Bench
Irregular pan-shaped seating. Imbedded carved wildlife and nature relief, also a cross and stars relief, granite, 7' x 18" x 18", Morris Park, Stockport, IA, 2020
Jacob Nelson Memorial
Life-size Iron worker helmet and cap, 30" h. x 28" w. stone, bronze on granite, Private commission, Lockridge, IA, 2018
Elliott Memorial
White Oak bark texture back to a curved 18 in. x 18 in. bronze panel. A relief of a Sycamore and a Willow tree in front of a pond featuring three leaping fish. Commemorative to Roger and Lucy Elliott, parents of Gabriel, Spencer and Cassie, set on an original homestead section of limestone. 2016
Jim Yeager Memorial
Spade with oriole perched on top, text describing his attributes on the handle. Rose Garden, private commission. 2015
Play Fight
life size bronze fox juveniles play fighting atop a bronze log, one nestled into a burl in the log, private commission, Cedar Rapids, IA, 2012
Maria Jira Chyle Memorial
Bust of Czechoslovakian immigrant woman, from Protivin in the current Czech Republic, founded Protivin, IA., cremains drawer in rear of bust, private commission. 2011
Arthur and Rosella Nierling Memorial
10 inch diameter bronze plaque, displaying the names of their four children around a haloed cross that is entwined by a vine of four roses. Private memorial, 2013
Robb Kelley Commemorative
2/3 life-size bronze sculpture relief of Robb Kelley, former EMC Insurance corporation chairman, president, and C.E.O., EMC Insurance building, Des Moines, Iowa, 2010
Hidden Feather
abstracted shape 24" x 40"underbrush and hidden turkey feather image, on wedge-shaped blood red burgundy pedestal, laser cut bronze with green to yellow patina, and browns for feather, private commission for flower and shrub garden, 2010
Douglas Hoeft Commemorative
life-size aluminum mask portrait, over aluminum metal photo image plate. 36"h. x 26" w. x 10" d., Homeless Shelter, Elgin, IL 2007
Dwight Vredenburg Memorial
Life size, bronze figure with bronze accessories on bronze bench, Hy-Vee Corporation, West Des Moines, IA , 2003
Athletic Heroes of Iowa
3 life-size, bronze figures. Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa Events Center, Hall of Pride, Des Moines, IA., 2006
Paraclete
24 " flame, copper tubing with brass screen overlay, on 8" sq. x 8" t. alabaster pedestal, mounted on walnut, two 6 ft. t. x 30" w. burgundy banners with 7 gold bar stripes and one red strip each, between accompanying stained glass windows, 1st Methodist Church, Ottumwa, IA, 2002
The Innovator
1/3 life size, bronze figure, 24", double helix and relief, bronze 24", stone base, 24", composition 6' tall, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA, 2001
Vermeer Manufacturing Sales Award
Vermeer, Inc. sales awards, Vermeer logo 1/3 size torso bust of construction worker, 1/3 size torso relief bust of a construction worker on a relief background of Vermeer machinery, life size torso bust of construction worker, mounted on a rough cut block of limestone, 2002
Imparting Knowledge
1/3 Life-size bronze angel mounted on granite, a cemetery monument. Private commission. 2000
Soaring in Grace
24' x 18" bronze relief with eagle sculpture coming out from relief plane, mounted on granite; a cemetery monument. Private commission.; 1999
Freedom
27"h x 31"w x 4-1/2"deep bronze relief in curly fir frame. A young boy releasing a frog from captivity. Private commission; 1999
Natural Causes
Life-size bronze relief, red-tailed hawk catching it prey. Studio Piece; 1996
Alice Johnston Memorial
Life-size bronze, humming bird, gardening hand trowel & gloves, 3 roses, concrete bench. Private commission, 2007
John Hill Memorial
Life-size bronze on black granite, music stand on podium, with open music book and score, entwined trumpet vine with actual instrument trumpet valves for blooms, 2006
Zack Yates Memorial
Life-size bronze on granite, open hands and shell container for commemorative memorabilia at cemetery site, 2007
Lady in Bloom
Miniature bronze sculpture of a woman who is nine months pregnant, holding a bouquet of flowers in bloom. 2023
Artist has completed numerous other private commissions, including portrait busts, miniature portraits, compositions of small figures, and wall reliefs.
Exhibitions
Luther College Exhibition Gallery, Decorah, IA. "2004"
Newton Sculpture Festival, Newton IA. "2004"
Hearst Center for the Arts, Cedar Falls, IA. "1999"
Kruse Associates, Iowa City, IA. "1999"
Loveland Sculpture Invitational, Loveland, CO. "1996", "1997", "1998"
Percival Galleries, Des Moines, IA "1997"
Artist Comments
I have produced numerous public and private sculpture compositions throughout Iowa, the Midwest, and in the nation. Specializing in portraying realistic human figures,each piece is personal and poignant in nature, presenting a poetic, and enduring perspective of those being commemorated, or idea portrayed.
This studio has coordinated efforts with Mid Iowa Fountain Services to expertly implement a creative fountain element to, and as sculptural form to my designs. Also, their expertise has been valuable to understand the most effective lighting that can be used for each proposal. Bennett Studio has worked as a team with Aalto Design and Creative Edge Master Shop to supplement designs with water-jet cut elements. All safety and technical concerns are addressed for each project.
Bennett Studio will be able to collaborate with architects, and all designated subcontractors to implement the chosen work in a timely manner.
Complete client reference available upon request.
