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Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
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Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter
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Simple Gifts | Public Sculptures by Jim Sardonis | Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter

Created and Sold by Jim Sardonis

Jim Sardonis

Simple Gifts - Public Sculptures

Featured In Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH

$ On Inquiry

This piece was commissioned in conjunction with the construction of the new Phelps Science Center at PEA. The simple depiction of dove-like birds are carved on top of 14′ tall granite pillars. The chiseled texture of the birds appears white next to the polished pillars but are, in fact, carved from the same pieces of stone. The two blocks weighed 25 tons each when purchased from the quarry in Quebec. The rose color of the stone blends in well with the surrounding brick buildings. The two are joined by a steel arch designating the location of both the Fisher Theater, as well as the outdoor classroom and wetlands area behind the science center. The sculpture is right across the street from the Lamont Art Gallery, the building in which I made my first sculpture as a student there in 1967. The cost of the sculpture was partially covered by a gift of the class of 1969 on the occasion of our 30th reunion.

Medium: Granite.

Item Simple Gifts
Created by Jim Sardonis
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Jim Sardonis
Meet the Creator
Wescover creator since 2020
Sculpture in Stone and Bronze

My work is inspired by natural forms – human, plant and animal. I enjoy designing site-specific commissions in stone and bronze for corporations, private residential settings and public institutions. In between commissioned work I produce pieces that I often have on hand for sale in stone and bronze. I also design and create gold jewelry, often using subjects related to some of my larger sculptures. I am constantly trying to find ways to use my work to raise awareness about the kinship and interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of environmental conservation.

I began my study and practice of sculpture while a student at Phillips Exeter Academy in the late ’60’s. I went on to Oberlin College and majored in a combination of studio art and art history. After graduating from Oberlin in 1973, I taught sculpture and art at all levels for many years until finally focusing my attention completely on my work.