ARTIST

RYAN SCHMIDT

 “My goal is to fully realize these concepts from the images in my mind, in a way that the sculpture is able to create a mood, and then it changes in a moment with the season and in a completely seamless and natural manner.” —Ryan Schmidt

SCULPTURES

ARTIST STATEMENT

Ryan T. Schmidt creates large-scale stainless steel sculptures that merge elegance with endurance. Inspired by the elements, sunlight, water, air, seasonal change or the surrounding environment whether it is indoor or outdoor—his work transforms stainless steel into timeless reflections of nature and the human experience. Each sculpture is a space for contemplation, designed to inspire and uplift its surroundings for generations.

Central to Schmidt’s vision is reflection not only in the mirror-polished surfaces of his work, but in the deeper sense of presence and awareness it evokes. As light, weather, and seasons shift, so too does the sculpture’s character, creating a living dialogue between the piece and its environment. This responsive quality makes each installation a continually renewing experience.

Through minimalistic, reflective surfaces and graceful shapes, Schmidt’s work invites contemplation on the simplicity and beauty of life. His sculptures serve as mirrors in both literal and symbolic, encouraging viewers to find inspiration and awareness through the interplay of form, light, and surrounding nature.

Schmidt works primarily in Type-316L non-corrosive stainless steel, chosen for its strength, durability, and high-luster finish. His sculptures begin as conceptual sketches or handmodeled clay forms, which are then realized through two primary techniques: sheet metal fabrication and lost-wax casting.

In his fabrication process, Schmidt sketches directly onto metal sheets and cuts freehand— reflecting a sculptural philosophy rooted in origami and the manipulation of planar forms. Using clamps, straps, and precision hand tools, he tacks and welds the metal into shape, pushing the limits of tension and curvature. Each joint is fully welded for structural integrity before undergoing a labor-intensive process of grinding, sanding, and mirror polishing—a signature finish that enhances both durability and the sculpture’s fluid visual quality.

When casting, Schmidt begins with a steel armature, over which he applies clay to build form. A mold is created and taken to a foundry, where a ceramic shell or sand mold replaces the wax in a high-heat process. The resulting cast metal is then meticulously finished through the same sanding and polishing methods. Sculpture bases are either hand-selected by the artist or custom-designed in collaboration with collectors, ensuring a harmonious presentation of the final work.

EXHIBITIONS & PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS

EDUCATION

• 2001–2003 – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR

• 2000–2001 – Pike's Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, CO

• 1999–2000 – Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK

AWARDS

• 2020 – Artist of the Month (December), Fountain Hills Art League

• 2018 – Proskauer Prize Award, 85th Annual Awards, Brookgreen Gardens, SC 2017 & 2015 – Top 25 Sculpture, ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI (1,300+ artists)

• 2017 – 3rd Place, Sculpture Category, 54th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami, FL

• 2013 – 1st Place, Sculpture, 11th Annual Indian Wells Arts Festival, Palm Desert, CA 2009 – 1st Place, Sculpture Showcase, Hot Springs, AR

• 2009 – 1st Place, Shine a Light on Literacy, Arkansas Governor’s Mansion

• 2008 – People’s Choice Award, Art on Parade, Northglenn, CO

• 2006 – People’s Choice, Best of Show, 1st Arkansas Sculpture Invitational

• 2005 & 2006 – Hardscape Horticultural Excellence, AR Flower & Garden Show

SELECTED PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS

• 2025 - Praise, Gerald Ford Museum, Grand Rapids, MI

• 2024 – Ascension & Breath of Life, Scottsdale Airpark, AZ

• 2022 – Life Eternal, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, MI

• 2019 – Tango, Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Little Rock, AR

• 2019 – Metanoia, Arkansas Neuroscience Institute, Sherwood, AR

• 2018 – Cardinal, Ascension Lutheran Church, East Lansing, MI 2018 – Rain of Faith, Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, Little Rock, AR

• 2017 – Thirst for Truth, Art Revolution Taipei, Taiwan World Trade Center

• 2017 – Nutrilite Leaf, Amway Botanical R&D Center, Wuxi, China

• 2016 – Immanuel, Chase Building, Grand Rapids, MI

• 2015 – Ascension, Habitat for Humanity, Grand Rapids, MI

• 2009 – Ascension, Charles Winburn Park, Northglenn, CO

• 2006 – Thirst, Hot Springs Creek Greenway, Hot Springs, AR

EXHIBITIONS & ART SHOWS (Selected)

• 2025 — Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Inaugural, Scottsdale AZ

• 2025 — Pearson & Co. 7022 East Main St Scottsdale, AZ

• 2020–2025 — Celebration of Fine Art and Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour, Scottsdale, AZ; International Sculpture Day: Austin, TX; Hot Springs, AR; Scottsdale, AZ

• 2015–2025 — ArtPrize, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (previously at J.W. Marriott and Grand Rapids Public Museum)

• 2019–2022

  • Scope Miami Beach and Red Dot Art Fairs - Miami, FL

  • Texas Contemporary (Serrano Gallery) and The Other Art Fair - Dallas & Houston, TX

  • Aspen & Beaver Creek Art Festivals - Aspen/Vail, CO

  • White Room Gallery - Bridgehampton, NY

  • La Quinta Arts Festival - La Quinta, CA

• 2004-2018 Earlier Highlights

  • “With Abstract Certainty,” White Room Gallery, NY (2018)

  • Art Revolution Taipei, Taiwan (2017)

  • Beverly Hills Centennial, CA (2014)

  • Indian Wells Arts Festival, CA (2013)

  • Venice Art Crawl, CA (2010–2013)

  • Affaire in the Gardens, Beverly Hills, CA (2010–2012)

  • Art on Parade, Northglenn, CO (2008–2009)

  • Arkansas Tabriz Center (2009)

  • 1st Arkansas Sculpture Invitational, Arkansas Sculptor's Guild, Little Rock, AR (2006)

  • Arkansas Flower & Garden Show, Little Rock, Arkansas (2004-2007)

PRESS & MEDIA

• 2024 -2025 WZMM Channel 13 Grand Rapids Michigan

• 2020–current — ARA & MIRA Magazines; Golden Coast Connoisseur

• 2020–2024 – FOX10 Phoenix “Cory’s Corner”; International Sculpture Day coverage

• 2018 – Fox 17 West Michigan Live; Hamptons Art Hub review

• 2017 – MLive.com (ArtPrize Top 20); Taiwan Institute of Contemporary Art

• 2014 – Beverly Hills This Week (Centennial Feature)

• 2012 – Saline County Lifestyles; Arkansas Times

• 2009–2008 – KATV Channel 7; Arkansas Times Abode Issue

BENEFIT AUCTIONS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Saint Louis Ambassadors Air Show (2018)

• Visiting Artist, Palmer Trinity School, Miami, FL (2017)

• Dan Eldon Creative Center & UNICEF (2014)

• Wolfe Street Foundation & American Heart Association, AR (2012–2013)

• Governor's Mansion Events & Splatters Youth Programs, AR (2009)

AFFILIATIONS

• Sonoran Arts League, ARA & MIRA (Arizona & Michigan Residential Architects)