Ken Bjorge (American, 1943-2025), The Gift Was Ours, Custom Edition

1993, three-part patinated bronze sculpture group, edition numbered "12/35," with signature and date in the casting, each mounted atop conforming custom wooden terrace forming an ellipse. Ken likely made the custom three part work for the client, as the other editions are cast as a two figure composition.

Group 14 1/2 x 33 x 15 in.; central figure 14 1/2 x 16 1/2 x 15 in.

Private Collection, Chapel Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina

In 1988, Ken Bjorge, formerly an attorney and a professor of law for over 20 years, left the legal profession to pursue a career as a self-taught sculptor. Later that year he opened Bjorge Gallery and Studio in Bigfork, Montana where, inspired by the rich history, beautiful landscapes, and wildlife of the area, he shaped scenes of the American West, representations of wildlife and portraits in bronze.

Ken completed two larger than life-size monuments for Auburn University of Heisman Trophy winners, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson. Other portrait commissions include: Coach Jim Owens for The University of Washington, Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell for The University of Texas, and a large statue of Cam Newton for Auburn University. Other clients that have commissioned work from Ken include: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.; California State University of Los Angeles; Dayton Hudson/Target Corp.; Westinghouse Corp.; The Living Desert Wildlife Park of Palm Desert, CA; The Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana; Trademark Acquisition & Development Co. of Fort Worth, TX; Lincoln Harris Corp.; The International Order of St. Hubertus; Flathead Bank of Bigfork, MT; Majestic Valley, LLC; and The Woodmansee Group, as well as numerous private individuals.

Good estate condition; spear shaft with slight bend; one wooden terrace with area of scuffing to perimeter edge.