Jack Gron’s sculpture for TRUE NORTH 2020, Hard Rain—fabricated of aluminum and painted mild steel—is a ten-foot-tall depiction of a cloud form, driving rain and a vulnerable cityscape below. Gron says, “I am honored to be included in this exhibition of works from such a diverse and talented group of artists. As in so much of my studio practice, the concepts and sketches become a point of departure. I like to focus on the formal issues of design, engineering and fabrication, and ultimately color and finish. Hopefully the viewer can appreciate the work on several levels.”

Gron’s choice of metal as his primary sculptural material goes back to his upbringing in Steubenville, Ohio, where industry reigned supreme in the 50s, 60s and 70s. His family all worked in the various mills, plants and mines, and where, during college, he worked on the blast furnaces producing iron that would be converted into machine parts and structural and sheet steel of all alloys and shapes. 

Photo courtesy of Kolanowski Studio

Gron received his BFA in sculpture from Columbus College of Art and Design and an M.F.A. in sculpture from Washington University. He has balanced a long professional career as a working sculptor and academic—most recently serving as Chairman of the Department of Art at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He retired from there in 2017 to focus on his art and other passions, not the least of which is his grandson, Henry.

Photo courtesy of Kolanowski Studio

Hard Rain sells for $10,000 and all other sculptures are for sale as well. The artists have generously agreed to donate 20% of any sales back to TRUE NORTH’s designated fund for its future projects. Please follow TRUE NORTH on Instagram @truenorthheightsblvd and on Facebook @TrueNorthHeightsBlvd. Jack Gron may be found on Instagram @gronjack and Facebook @jack.gron. Contact the TRUE NORTH team at boulevardart@houstonheights.org and visit the website at TRUE NORTH.

A sincere thanks to Jack and all the TRUE NORTH 2020 artists. We also thank our 2020 underwriters who make this all possible (our list of underwriters may be found on our website). We hope you’re all enjoying the sculptures. We’ll see you on the esplanade!

Photo courtesy of Kolanowski Studio