Jim Felice Sculpture

From autos to art: Sculptor Felice exhibits in city

Ridgefield sculptor and painter Jim Felice developed his technique for sculpture and his aesthetic while working as an automotive restorer at Felice Auto Body, which he owned from 1975 to 2005.

He demonstrated his ability for twisting steel and pouring heavy paint on metal surfaces in his "Portal" sculpture, which was on view this summer at "The Art of Inspiration" exhibition at The Time Warner Center in New York City.

"Portal" (86"H x 50"W x 36"D) was inspired by the Kohler Steward Waterless Urinal. Because he "wanted the piece to have the gracefulness and beauty of the urinal," Mr. Felice mimicked the elliptical shape. According to the artist, his grand sculpture beckons you to come closer and step through to a world of "gracious living," a way of life that is central to the Kohler brand of philosophy.

Mr. Felice has exhibited in more than 35 solo and group exhibitions, including The Stamford Museum and Nature Center and Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including "Award of Excellence in Sculpture" at the Northern Westchester Center for the Arts (2000). He also won "Best in Sculpture" (1991) and "Second Prize in Painting" (1994) from juried exhibitions at the Stamford Art Association.

He has restored sculpture by Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson and Claes Oldenburg. His studio is in Danbury.