Joshua Tobey has gone where very few sculptors before him have gone: In September, he opened his own foundry. Twelve months ago, there was a two-and-a-half-year turn-around time for one of his new tabletop sculptures. Now they are available in a matter of weeks. “I have my own army – my own dream crew,” he says.
What does that mean for Sedona collectors eagerly anticipating Joshua’s annual spring show at Rowe Fine Art Gallery? Almost instant gratification. Joshua will be back in Red Rock Country on Friday, April 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 5, from 1 to 4 p.m., for A Passion Within: Joshua Tobey’s Annual Show. New bronzes with subject matter that ranges from turkeys and trout to bears will be on display. Joshua will also unveil two works in progress, one depicting a turtle and the other a quail.
It’s always full-steam ahead for the Colorado-based impressionistic wildlife sculptor, who jokes that he spent 32 days on the road in January. His one and only Sedona show holds a special place in his heart, though. “Sedona was where I got my start,” he explains. “It’s always neat to go back, and Rowe Gallery is very special to me. The way they treat people is the way I want to be represented.”
Known for his monumental sculptures, Joshua’s first artwork to be cast at the new foundry, which is located in Oregon, was a life-size moose titled The Mountain. (That also happens to be the name of the foundry.) In addition to the moose, last year Joshua sculpted a life-size white-tailed deer and life-size Dall sheep as well as a larger-than-life rabbit that weighs 2,000 pounds and required 62 hours of sanding. “I’m a quick sculptor, but those big guys take a lot of time,” he says.
Joshua’s wife and business partner, Jojo Tobey, will be with him at the show in April. “I’m so lucky to have a partner who’s always game for the next challenge,” he says. “And both of us are so fortunate to get to work as hard as we do.”
Stop by Rowe Fine Art Gallery April 4 and 5 to meet this dynamic duo and enjoy one of the gallery’s most anticipated shows of the year.
Rowe Fine Art Gallery represents traditional and contemporary southwestern artists. The gallery, located under the bell tower in Patio de las Campanas at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 928-282-8877, visit rowegallery.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.