2005, welded steel plates finished in red and green paint, suspended from an arched steel base, signed and dated "RH / 05."

approximately 11 ft. x 9 ft. x 6 ft.

Private Collection, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Ruffin M. Hobbs graduated from Guilford College with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1975, and then continued his studies in metal casting over the next decade at UNC-G. Ruffin became a highly regarded North Carolina sculptor working mostly in metals and also talented as a blacksmith. He fabricated sculpture using various metals including wrought iron, copper, bronze and stainless steel, as well as cast bronze and marble sculptures. Ruffin's mobile sculptures are inspired by Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976). A current example is on permanent display at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center. One of his largest public works is a pair of 3500 lb. massive stainless-steel "Topiary Tigers" commissioned for Princeton University’s football stadium in 2000.

This lot is being sold in situ, within 15 miles of the auction house. The location to be shared for preview appointments and the buyer. The buyer is responsible for professional removal and transportation of the sculpture with associated expenses, and must be taken off the property by Oct. 31st. Each leg is bolted to a concrete block (the blocks are also to be removed with the sculpture). The top mobile hook is able to be removed from the sculpture, allowing it to be moved in two parts.

Some surface spot rusting and minor paint loss; overall good condition.