I am fascinated by Public Sculpture and I absolutely love it. Michael Shewmaker, contemporary sculptor of today, works in stainless steel, aluminum and bronze. As a child, his love for sculpture started after he saw the Gateway Arch go up in St Louis, MO. He went on to appreciate and study American sculptor Alexander Calder. As a result, in his youth, Shewmaker decided to study woodworking in school. The connection to the wood/materials and working with his hands grabbed his interest. That is what encouraged him to study and master the art of sculpture. Shewmaker’s mirror polished stainless steel sculptures are most captivating. Although decidedly abstract, his works have a definite feel of the living with a muscular structure and a vivacious energy. The polished surfaces reflect the character of their surroundings and provided a liquid and mercurial appearance. Many of his master pieces can be seen throughout the United States. For example, the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs purchased Brace to exhibit at the Simpsonville Art Foundation of Simpsonville; SC. Leviatano was selected by the Annmarie Sculpture Garden of Dowell, MD for permanent placement. In October 2017, Vita (Shewmaker’s most popular design) will be on permanent display at Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey. Currently, all of Shewmaker creations begin at his home and studio grounds on the Big Island of Hawaii. Originally from Illinois, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Southern Illinois University and did post his Art History graduate work at the University of Florida and San Diego State University.