Meet the Artist: Gary Lee Price

Gary Lee Price F.N.S.S. (Fellow National Sculptor Society) is a world-renowned sculptor whose bronze sculptures embody the spirit and resilience of humanity. His art, characterized by its uplifting themes and intricate craftsmanship, aims to inspire and elevate the human spirit. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Price has created thousands of sculptures that grace public spaces, museums, and private collections around the world.

One of Gary Lee Price's most monumental endeavors is the creation of the Statue of Responsibility, a vision conceived by Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl as a powerful counterpart to the Statue of Liberty. This colossal sculpture, symbolizing the crucial role of personal responsibility, is destined to rise on the West Coast of the United States. Price, who holds the copyrights and trademarks for this project, has fully committed himself to actualizing Frankl's vision through the Statue of Responsibility Foundation.

Price’s work is not limited to joyful expressions; his sculptures often explore themes of unity and shared responsibility. His “Messenger” monument in Iceland, which honors early immigrants to the U.S., and “Communion,” a 15-foot monument of grasping hands in Brentwood, Tennessee, showcase his commitment to creating art that resonates with profound meaning. The recurring theme of hands in his work, seen in pieces like "Synergy," "Helping Hand," and "Ascent," emphasizes the importance of helping others and fostering connections.

Price's passion for art and his belief in its power to uplift the human spirit is evident in his work and his life. A 1981 Fine Arts graduate of the University of Utah, Price believes in lifelong learning and has traveled extensively, gathering inspiration from cultures around the world. His dedication to his craft has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including the National Sculpture Society, where he was elected in 2014 as a Fellow.

In his book, Divine Turbulence, Gary reflects on how his life’s challenges have shaped his understanding of true responsibility and the urgency of spreading Dr. Viktor Frankl's teachings. His childhood was marked by profound trauma—witnessing the murder-suicide of his mother and stepfather on a military base in Germany. After being sent back to the U.S., Gary faced further hardships, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse from a step-brother. This abuse ended when the perpetrator moved out, allowing Gary to focus on his education and art, and begin living his own life.

One of Price's most notable installations is at the Hong Kong Central Library, one of the largest libraries globally. This impressive collection includes life-size bronzes of children engaged in joyful activities, reflecting his dedication to capturing moments of innocence and happiness. Another significant work, the 11-foot "Celebration!" depicts children soaring around a globe, symbolizing the joy of life. This piece has been displayed in various locations, including its most recent dedication in Decatur, Georgia, by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Gary has many commission requests that he is currently working on. Some of his most recent finished commissions include:

Walter Harper: A 15' monument to Walter Harper in Fairbanks.

Dave Winfield: A statue in Fairbanks, Alaska, honors Hall of Fame baseball player Dave Winfield, capturing his legendary 500-foot home run and celebrating his impact on the community.

Wakara: A tribute to Chief Wakara of the Timpanogos tribe, commissioned to honor his legacy and raise awareness of the tribe's history and cultural heritage. A 25' monument with land in Spanish Fork.

The Comforter: A life-size sculpture of Jesus Christ, commissioned in honor of Jimmy Morrison's daughter. It offers a place for reflection and is notably installed in the Springville Cemetery.

Big Al: A tribute to Alan Loy Curtis, a beloved figure in Springville, Utah, who dedicated his life to family, church, and community, especially through his 55-year coaching career and contributions to youth sports.