Local sculptor wins award in Sioux Falls

ERIC THORSEN'S daughters, and co-sculptors, pose in front of "Sitting Panther." (Courtesy photo)

SCULPTOR ERIC Thorsen works on the tail of “Sitting Panther” with one of his daughters. (Courtesy photo)

| May 18, 2017 4:00 AM

SCULPTOR ERIC Thorsen works on the tail of Sitting Panther with one of his daughters. (Courtesy photo)

Bigfork sculptor Eric Thorsen was named one of 11 Best of Show II winners at the annual Sioux Falls, South Dakota SculptureWalk earlier this month.

A total of 56 sculptures were installed throughout downtown Sioux Falls for the show and Thorsen’s “Sitting Panther” was honored, claiming a $1,000 prize. Bruce Stillman was the lone Best of Show recipient, winning $2,000. The show attracted entries from around the continent — the 12 awarded pieces came from sculptors in seven different states or provinces.

Thorsen, who works in bronze, got an assist from his two daughters in creating the large, lifelike panther.

The panther had to be amended from its original design when show director Jim Clark told Thorsen the animal’s tail was too long for any of the display pedestals, so Thorsen and his daughters made the necessary adjustment and signed the panther’s tail.

Thorsen has maintained a studio in Bigfork for 24 years. More information is available at www.thorsengallery.com.

For more information on the SculptureWalk, visit www.sculpturewalksiouxfalls.com.

Sioux Falls SculptureWalk

Best of Show ($2,000)

“Eclipse” — Bruce Stillman

Best of Show II ($1,000 each)

“Germination III” — Nathan Johansen

“Solitude” — Tuck Landland

“Geronimo” — Dawn Record

“Fishkabobs” — Robert Bruce

“Sitting Panther” — Eric Thorsen

“Whirlwind of Life” — Travis Sorenson

“Generations” — Ben Hammond

“Salmon Runner” — Heather Wall

“Nucleus” — Jeff Satter

“Muse IC” — Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

“Pecos” — Wayne Salge