Bryant has left an indelible mark on the nonprofit over its more than four decades of history, beginning with his work as a founder of the organization and stretching more than 35 years as an exhibitor. His impact on the organization can be measured not only by what was accomplished while he exhibited, but also by his influence on today’s fine craft artists. Regular visitors to the TACA events might recognize names like Tom Rice, Mike Andrews and Scott Wise, instructed by Bryant and all having gone on to produce meaningful sculptures in their own creative, distinctive voice.

From his well-known sleeping stones to clay angels to wood figures, Bryant creates with an eye focused steadily on the balance between the materials and the image he holds in his head. Faithful to the materials of the region, the clean lines and round figures that mark his work are a clear response to what the artist sees as the potential of the wood, stone or clay with which he is working. Olen Bryant has a Master in Fine Art from Cranbrook Academy of Art and was awarded the Distinguished Artist Award during 2007’s Governor’s Awards in the Arts and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Clarksville’s Austin Peay State University. His work can be found in private and public collections across the region.

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