Artwork copyright Lanny Bergner. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Lanny Bergner. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Lanny Bergner. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Lanny Bergner. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Lanny Bergner. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Amulet for Creative Learning, 2006

Lanny Bergner
(American, born 1952)

Location: Giaudrone Middle School, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Lanny Bergner describes Amulet for Creative Learning as "an architectural wearable – a piece of building jewelry" for the Giaudrone Middle School entry in Tacoma. The total height of the artwork is approximately 25 feet. The artwork installation is visible from the outside of the school as well, and sends the message to students and visitors that the school is a place for creative learning. Bergner believes that "good art does not simply dictate outcome, but rather it sparks others to creative thought."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Anacortes-based artist Lanny Bergner creates mixed-media sculptures and site-specific installations for public spaces. He has been creating hand-worked organic and geometric artworks out of industrial metal mesh since 1983. The otherworldly quality of Bergner’s artworks often contrasts to the everyday materials he uses to construct them.

Born in Anacortes, Bergner was an apprentice to Skagit County-based sculptor Philip McCracken in 1976. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and a Master in Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia.