SCULPTURE

“The Sense” is a larger-than-life sculpture inspired from the artist’s study of great sculptors from the 18th century.   Artist Gary Word, is a native of Olympia. He was precocious twelve-years -old, created the sculpture in three months in the family garage. The 1950-pound piece was moved to a front yard location of the family property.   It has remained a symbolic beginning of Gary’s career as an artist.

In 1980, Gary added the wooden structure visible in the images as a means of protecting the piece. The basic form of the armature is shaped metal mesh and steel rebar, which was fashioned using a layering process of concrete and mortar materials.   A clear triple coat epoxy has been applied to protect, enduring the weather elements and vandalism.

The Word family has dedicated much time as public servants, including members’ serving as Fire Commissioner and both paid and volunteer staff at the McClain and Olympia Fire Departments. The family has also business owners in and strong supporters of the community. In this spirit, the artist and family estate wishes to donate to the Monarch Sculpture of Olympia. The sculpture was delivered and set up as a permanent fixture to the park in September of 2022.  This addition to the park may be appreciated by many communities in Washington State.