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Junk has Soul: Sculpting with Recycled Objects
with Thor Myhre
July 14 - July 15, 2008
Students will be inspired by a truckload of found objects and recycled materials. Odd shapes of
wood, colorful wire, string, feathers, wool, assorted pieces of metal and plastic, and some mystery
objects will be provided. You will have access to simple hand tools, glue and fasteners. Artist
Thor Myhre's specialty is finding innovative ways to combine mixed media. Students will learn
about great resources for future projects and walk away with a new found sense of the beauty in
everyday objects. 
Thor Myhre has been sculpting with recycled materials and found objects for fifteen years. His
art is featured in many sculpture parks, permanent collections, and galleries across the country.
His honors include juror's choice award at Big Rock Garden International Sculpture Exhibit, and he
is the featured subject in the documentary, "Rusty Flowers". To view more of Myhre's art go to
www.thormyhre.com.
Student Supply List:
- The materials fee of $25 covers everything you need for the class. If you have something strange or
cool kicking around, bring it in! You might find ear plugs and safety goggles useful to bring with you.
Cost: $150 + $25 materials fee
Advance Reservation: You can reserve a spot with a non-refundable deposit of $100 which must be received by May 16, 2008. Class size limited so you receive lots of individual attention.
Full fee required after May 16.
Class Schedule:
Monday and Tuesday, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
You can come early and stay late to work on your own.
Porter's Barbecue:
You are invited to the Porter's barbecue and music Saturday night. You'll be glad you came!
Background:
Thor Myhre, Artist Biography by Maria McLeod
Thor Myhre was raised on a small cattle ranch in Charlo, Montana (outside of Missoula) on the Flathead Indian Reservation. He grew up inventing objects-his own toys, bird houses, etc.-in the midst of an "immense amount of beauty," and "not just a quietness, but a stillness," that shaped his early aesthetic. This included the wide, open and undivided land unique to the valley that was home to his family's farm.
When Myhre left the farm, his desire to continue working with his hands followed him. He took courses in sculpture at the University of Montana and Bennington College. He worked in an auto body shop, and he pursued an interest in collecting and reusing objects others had cast away or left to rust.
Now, Myhre uses recycled, antique metals such as old farming implements as the primary material for his original sculptures. Rusty augers, ring gears, plow blades, hay forks, and the like are manipulated and welded together to create sculptural objects unique to his vision. Inspired by the history of such objects, the integrity of their original design, and the beauty of their natural decay, Myhre has a fondness for old tools of all varieties, but especially those he is able to unearth from forgotten junk piles found on old farms.
Myhre has completed dozens of commissions and several installations throughout the U.S. His work has been shown in Washington, Montana, and Alaska. His honors have included juror's choice award at Big Rock Garden, and the featured subject in the documentary, "Rusty Flowers". He currently resides in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and their son.
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