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CLICK HERE to view portfollio Click on picture to enlarge view.  
Chris Sorensen is an award-winning sculptor who works in metal, wood, clay and bronze. His style is both whimsical and flamboyant. His subjects have included a variety of exotic birds and fish, fanciful abstracts, a life size elephant, giraffe and llama, an eight foot ostrich, and a 900 pound bulldog. The west wall of his Van Ness Avenue Studio, a converted warehouse which he calls “the playhouse,” is festooned with ribbons, plaques, news articles and awards gaily proclaiming the artistic endeavors which have brought him continuous recognition from the art community for over a quarter of a century. The Studio is a magnet for artists and art lovers alike. He invites art majors from the local colleges to drop by and experiment with his extensive inventory of metal shaping tools and equipment. His good natured humor and supportive assistance encourages them to challenge their creatvity in the medium of metal. Local art patrons use the studio for art functions and fund raisers. Sorensen, the owner of WECO Supply company in Fresno, began his sculpturing career 25 years ago when his art major son, John, requested a welding set for an art project at McClane High School. “I sold all types of welding rigs and cutting supplies, but I had never used the equipment myself. I wanted to pick out something that John could use easily, so I started experimenting with the different set ups,” Sorensen recalled. “ In the process I got bit by the art bug. Fell in love with the magic of the torches. I could see all sorts of possibilities in moving the pieces of metal around.” He has exhibited throughout the area including entries in the Fresno District Fair, winning ribbons every year and at San Francisco’s Hall of Flowers Show winning First Place two consecutive years. He has demonstrated and exhibitied for the American Welding Society in New Orleans, Louisiana and Los Angeles, California. In treating his injuries for a bad fall in 1990, his pyhsicians discovered a brain tumor. After a successful surgery, Sorensen turned the WECO business over to his son, John. “I decided to spend the rest of my life playing.” He said. “I am very grateful that so many talented professionals made themselves available and were wiling to help me develop my art. I will always be a student, constantly learning new techniques and growing.” He has studied under William Minschew, Bill Citrin, Rick Anderson and David Botini. He lectures and gives demonstrations at Fresno City College, the College of the Sequoias, Fresno State and numerous industrial arts classes at area high schools. Not only is he generous with his time, but he has provided financial support to the arts and donated welding equipment and supplies for top art student welders in area competitions. A native of Fresno who attended Fresno State and served in the United States Navy, his art affilitations include the Society of Western Artists; Yosemite Western Artists; Former President of Clovis Art Guild and served on the Board of the Fresno Arts Center and Museum, and the American Welding Society. | Chris Sorensen Portfollio | | Maggie Elliott | Brian Kincade | Lola Nelson | Hazel Robinson | Calvin Lyster | Judy DeRosa | Diane Astier | Ronna Adler | Mary Jane Campbell-Mann | Ginny Burdick | Gloria Jacobson | Chris Sorensen | Chris Malicoat | Mark Gudmundsen | Dorothy Morris | Mina Pratt | Dixie Zoeller | JoAnn Huffman | Terry Lowe | Merylyn Whited | AnitaStoll | | Return Home | Artists | Map | Local Tourist Links | Contact Us | Latest News | |
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