Artwork copyright Tom Askman. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Reach (for the sky), 1999

Tom Askman
American (born 1941)

Location: Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground

About the Artwork

Reach (for the sky) is a large-scale sculpture created by artist Tom Askman. He designed this piece as a "metaphor for the possibility of reaching for goals, climbing to the top, and the hard work it takes to achieve success." The design features bronze hands modeled after the hands of Battle Ground High School students. He notes that the hands "represent the power of community, helping, and supporting one another on life's journey."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Battle Ground Public Schools.

About the Artist

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Tom Askman creates paintings, drawings, and sculptural installations for public spaces.
Askman is a professor of painting and drawing at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, where he has taught since 1972. He received Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education degress from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado in 1968.