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 Category | Sculpture - other metals |
Medium | Cast bronze |
Dimensions | 35 in x 32 in x 15 in (overall) |
ID Number | WSAC1977.068.000 |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Okanogan School District |
Artwork Location | Virginia Grainger Elementary In front of school |
WA County | Okanogan |
Placement | Exterior |
Site Type | Public School |
Address | 1118 5th Ave. South Okanogan, WA 98840 |
Geo. Coordinates | 48.358788, -119.592582 |
Before Visiting | Some 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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