Long Spore #3, 1976

James Lee Hansen
(American, born 1925)

Location: Virginia Grainger Elementary, Okanogan

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Long Spore #3 is an abstract bronze sculpture by artist James Hansen. It is an example of Hansen's body of work inspired by natural forms. In botany, many different plants and fungi disperse spores as part of their life cycle. Spores have adapted to survive long distances and harsh conditions over long periods. They are symbols of resilience, persistence, and hope.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Celebrated artist James Lee Hansen creates figurative and abstract sculptures. He has lived and worked in the Battle Ground area of Southwestern Washington since the 1950s.

Hansen was born in Tacoma, Western Washington in 1925. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II (1939-45) in the South Pacific. He used the GI Bill to study art at the Portland Art Museum School (now the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon) and graduated in 1950. Bronze sculptures quickly became his main focus, and he built his own foundry and developed a hands-on approach to bronze casting.

Hansen’s sculptures are included in many museum collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and the Portland Art Museum (Oregon). He also taught at Portland State University for 26 years, among other universities, and was an influential teacher and mentor.

ARTWORK DETAILS
Material CategorySculpture - other metals
MediumCast bronze
Dimensions35 in x 32 in x 15 in (overall)
ID NumberWSAC1977.068.000
Acquisition MethodDirect purchase
Artist LocationWashington, United States
Location Information
AgencyOkanogan School District
Artwork LocationVirginia Grainger Elementary
In front of school
WA CountyOkanogan
PlacementExterior
Site TypePublic School
Address1118 5th Ave. South
Okanogan, WA 98840
Geo. Coordinates48.358788, -119.592582
Before VisitingSome artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access.
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