By Gary Lee Price
The Ascent
Donated to the City of Spokane Valley by Dr. James and Pauline Harken in 2022.
LOCATION
Balfour Park
105 N Balfour Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
ARTIST'S DESCRIPTION
Two Native Americans are struggling on the face of a jagged cliff. The one above reaches out and extends himself, grasping for the one below. The one below looks up and also reaches out to receive the hand of safety and strength. Climbing the mountain of life we learn, grow and, hopefully, increase in wisdom. As we continue the trek, we realize it is not just about ourselves. It is then that we pause, turn around, and reach out our hand in assistance to those who can benefit from our travels.
This sculpture epitomizes the struggle to overcome opposition and difficult personal challenges and the absolute need we have for others to reach out, bring us in, and raise us up.
Having grown up in the West and being a small part Cherokee, I’ve always had an affinity for capturing the spirit of my forefathers. I have aspired to create pieces that have depth. I have wanted to portray individuals of grace, strength, and beauty.
Several years prior to creating this piece, I went through a series of personal crises. It was a very difficult time for me and yet, as always, I was taken care of. Several close friends reached out and lifted me up in my hour of need. While creating this sculpture, I reached within. I relied on my own experiences, ones that showed me that people really do care and that our true friends are those who do not judge or shun, but rather reach out and bring us in. These are the individuals with complete grace, absolute strength, and true beauty.
The letters I’ve received from people describing how a piece has inspired or lifted them are many. The ones describing ‘The Ascent’ are the most numerous and most touching.
–Gary Lee Price
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Gary Lee Price graduated from the University of Utah in Fine Arts in 1981 and believes in ‘perpetual student-hood’. He finds travel and research an important part of his life. He has lived two years in Germany, as well as six months in Israel, Gary also spent one month touring the jungles and ruins of Mexico and Guatemala. Gary has researched in eleven different European countries including one full month in Egypt. In 1991 Gary was elected a member of the National Sculpture Society. He has recently been elected by his peers as a Fellow of this prestigious organization.
“My passion for art and my belief that art empowers and lifts the human spirit has only grown stronger throughout my life. I have been blessed with many generous and selfless mentors, and my dream is to pass those gifts on to others”. To this end Gary often teaches workshops to individuals, groups and corporations on the aspects of creation and manifestation.
Literally thousands of Gary Lee Price sculptures are in public and private collections throughout the world. This includes his 12-foot angel “Messenger” monument in Iceland honoring over 400 early immigrants to the U.S. Gary completed the sculpture “Communion”, a 15-foot high monument of grasping hands for the United Methodist Church of Brentwood, Tennessee. The hand theme has been an important aspect of his work as reflected in such pieces as “Synergy”, “Helping Hand”, “Ascent” and “Circle of Peace”. Uplifting others, helping others and joining hands with others in brotherhood and sisterhood are essential parts of the life and work of Gary Lee Price.
Gary resides in Buckeye, Arizona with his beautiful wife, Leesa Clark Price. Together they have 9 children and 18 very energetic grandchildren.