at the Port of Dubuque, Iowa 2023-2024 Art on the River exhibition.

Hello again, fellow art enthusiasts! 👋

I’m thrilled to announce that FROM_ORION took home the coveted Best of Show award at the 2023-2024 Art on the River exhibition in Dubuque, Iowa! 🏆

… the journey …

NYC to Chicago to Dubuque and Back

We cruised from the bustling streets of NYC to the vibrant heart of Chicago to the charming landscapes of Dubuque, IA; with the last leg towing a 600lb sculpture.

The journey itself was an unforgettable experience, filled with beautiful landscapes and unexpected detours that added a touch of spontaneity to our mission. And, as you might have guessed, the installation didn't come without its challenges. 😅

Overcoming Challenges: A Tale of Grit and Collaboration

On our first day in NYC, I herniated a vertebrae in my back (aka ‘slipped a disc’) while loading heavy equipment, leaving me barely able to walk by that evening. 🤦‍♂️ Luckily, Lawrence Pease, a friend who teamed up to do the road trip, came to the rescue with assistance and excellent driving skills to get everything done in the nick of time.

Thanks, Lawrence! 🙌 I literally could not have done it without you! 🙏

FROM_ORION was awarded Best of Show!

This came as a total surprise and was quite an honor to be recognized among so many talented artists and artisans. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work in such a beautiful, welcoming city, and this award was a nice capstone for the hard work and dedication it took to get it there.

Aaaaaand back…

Three days of driving to get back home. For me, not the most enjoyable way to spend time, but it did provide the opportunity to visit family members along the way and have fun conversations with Lawrence about our lives before we met in NYC almost 20 years ago.

The warm reception from the Dubuque community and the connection forged with fellow artists made every mile of the journey worth it. And it isn’t just about the end result; it's about the stories etched along the way and the unwavering support of a community that shares our passion.

FROM_ORION now shines brightly in Dubuque, and we couldn't have done it without the support of patrons, my family, and friends like Lawrence. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being part of this journey! 🙏

Stay curious, stay creative, and until our next artistic escapade. 🎨

- Damon

Many thanks to:

Lawrence Pease for all the driving, labor, and positive spirit and Carrie Fabrykant for moral support 😀
Jill Connors City of Dubuque, Economic Development Director
@terrykarpowicz for a seamless de-install in Chicago.
@chicagoparks for the opportunity to display in Marquette Park 2021-2023
@chicagosculptureinternational ‘s Christine Perri for coordinating early removal sculpture all over Chicago
@think_sculpture ‘s amazing artisans Brian Witmer, Ben Blaney, and Caroline Folkenroth-Miley
And of course none of this would have been feasible without the generous patronage and support from:

• Libby Mattern

• Harriet Fabrykant

• Terri Gould

• Mark Hamm

• Scott Coatsworth

• Kim Kelley

• Jason Thomson

• Gretchen Hamm

#publicart #orion #stainlesssteel #sculpture #science #astronomy #constellations #metalworking #scienceart
@sculptorsguild @fatcatfablab

As a passionate professional, I am constantly seeking new opportunities for commissions and collaborations, offering my expertise in 3D modeling, engineering, fabrication, and digital media archiving services.

Let's bring your creative visions to life!