Matthew Welter sculpture

Liberty (R)evolution was born of an arson attack on Welter's first,10 foot Liberty in '07. The sculptor's response was "Hand of Order", his 30 foot, stylized Liberty, shared in progress at Burning Man, '08 AMERICAN DREAM, then competed at EVOLUTION, '09. Liberty (R)evolution features Hand of Order; always attended by two or three of the sculptor's 5-part, series of floor-sized sculptures, "Guardians of Liberty".

Carved from an ordinary cedar root, for $100K, the colossal sculpture recently appraised at $300k. Welter remarks proudly "Presumably her commissioner is sweeter on this investment than the rest of his portfolio..." Welter hopes to see his huge Liberty cast next in solid bronze by the same motivation.

The seasoned sculptor is now carving a 10' Snowshoe Thompson at his Reno art installation, commissioned by Kirkwood Ski Resort. Welter says "We need our legends, especially now." Thompson delivered essentials over the blistering summit on long, thin skis for 20 years. "He's the area's premier skier, post man and news anchor, both delivering and telling vital news--talk about a liberty rider..."

Welter hopes to bring the trendy art installation and his "process-of-art-performances" to Tahoe next, at Ski Run Marina. On Wednesday the 19th, City of South Lake Tahoe planning dept. will discuss whether or not to allow the artist's timely expression into that private venue as battered merchants push for the showy attraction's approval.