A Sculptor Service and
 Landmark at the Crossroads
(As published in Tahoe Quarterly magazine)
By: Matthew Welter

               I am, at age 41, a sculptor, writer and designer. At thirteen, I founded Timeless Sculptures, a company that produces wooden furnishings and sculptures of any size, most of which are made to order. True to its name, the old-fashioned guild and sculpture company survives and thrives in a modern age.
            Timeless Sculptures has, by proxy and qualification, come proudly to host a rare artist's confluence, aptly dubbed "The Knowledge Exchange" by it's members, who are encouraged to eventually establish their own creative enterprises. Seemingly of it's own will, the guild was formed in response to popular demand. It consists of an apprentice program and some extraordinary masters who come and go from all parts of the world.
            For some 15 years, the unusual company was a landmark at Tahoe, first on the west shore, then on the north shore, in Kings Beach, for eleven years. There, Timeless Sculptures created hundreds of works, most of which are now displayed in and about the regions of Lake Tahoe and northern Nevada. The remainder went out to all parts of the world.
             The Knowledge Exchange is fast becoming the proverbial "tail that wagged the dog". This dynamic group of artists and marketers has recently relocated from Kings, Beach, Ca., thirty minutes away to Carson City, NV. The new workshop crackles with production and excitement!
            Many of our sculptor's tools of choice are more commonly found in an auto-body shop, so when such a facility became available, complete with a full spray booth, pneumatic piping and huge access doors, the guild members took notice. We considered the terrific location; where two major intestates (395 & 50) intersect, at the base of Spooner Summit. The junction serves as a gateway to Nevada's capital, Carson City, to spectacular Lake Tahoe and to all of the Carson Valley communities. With it's eclectic blend of traveling politicians, professionals, part-time residents and visitors, the location would be the perfect stage for our creative happening, displayed there for other artists and potential customers to note.  Accordingly, the guild members decided to make the pains-taking but promising move to Carson City, Nevada. 
            The community has been very welcoming, recognizing our challenge and welcoming our participation. Joe McCarthy and the team at the Brewery Arts Center (BAC) arranged to provide a large house, at a token rent, to be used as an artist's dormitory. What a fortunate break for some struggling apprentices (and one struggling head-master). The people at Capitol City Press provided much-needed, finely crafted business cards emblazoned with our new information, just to help. I'm glad Jim likes what we're doing.
             Our new, wonderful neighbors, Bruce and Jeanie, issued a signed letter of consent concerning our admittedly noisy operation. That letter was key to our being granted a "special use permit" by the City Council, along with a little friendly nudge from Rob Joiner and the folks at Community Development. Leanne Horton, representing the Fire Department, was very accommodating and routed us through some safety concerns, then signed off with recommendations and encouragements.  
            Anticipating our move, a number of people from the valley (too numerous to mention) joined the program while we were still in Kings Beach. They came with trucks, gloves and smiles to help the rest of us make the delicate and exhausting move.
             All of us at Timeless Sculptures are proud to call this place our new home, and what a beautiful place!  Even the gracious people and small town charm of Carson City are no match for the breathtaking clouds, sunsets and night skies -- as only a high-desert foothill can host. Autumn was awesome, and the winter mild.
             While we're on kudos, our expenses would never have been met had it not been for the patronage of some of Incline Village's finest. They have always entrusted us with significant commissions and still do. Yes, I do believe in angels. Chase and Susan Bailey and Warren Trepp are three such, and they enrich all of our lives.
            Commissions from the Shackfords and Diane Brown came just in time to defray moving costs and Patty and Leroy Hardy kept us giggling with their chicanery (as those who know them will fondly attest)... to note but a few of our "timeless" patrons.  
            Thanks to some fine people, we are now able to continue producing the enormous sculptures and outrageous furnishings Timeless Sculptures is known for, only now in plain view of a true "gateway" intersection -- sort of our way of welcoming  travelers to two dear places: Carson and Tahoe. 
            We may now move ahead with our "active sculpture garden", complete with  rumbling chain saws, whirring power tools and quaint, shaded picnic tables.  The property is now barren, but soon guests will watch the sculptures evolve while eating their lunch or sipping sun tea by a shimmering fountain. 
            Visitors may explore a picturesque, roped path and study the collection of twisted roots, stumps, branches, breaks, cinders and burls. Hobbyists and contractors may purchase some of the specimens for use in their own projects -- or just to display them as extraordinary things. We'll be on call with suggestions about tools, techniques, placement, etc.     
            Now reassembled, our creative happening is happening at an almost unsteady pace.  Unsteady, not because the guild's membership has doubled since our arrival, but because our stock of equipment and supplies is challenged. Everything is needed, from power tools to computer equipment.
            To meet this challenge, The Brewery Arts Center has offered to act as "fiscal agent" for corporate and private sponsors, enabling the appropriate tax deduction. Sponsors will be repaid for their contributions of supplies and services when their icons are posted in various highly visible locations: at our upcoming retail facility; at public demonstrations throughout the area; on our website; and in various publications, some distributed internationally. These are ancillary considerations, however, to being featured on a monument-styled display tower set prominently at the front of our studios, thanking sponsors, for more than 18 million motorists per year to consider -- in addition to the facility's own visitors.      
             Speaking of considerations, the guild members have some considerations at task. Talks are underway between Timeless Sculptures and Intrawest corp., who is building a fabulous alpine village at Squaw Valley, USA.  We're considering the creation of a Knowledge Exchange theme restaurant. The Gallery/Restaurant would feature a colossal, transparent demonstration chamber with big-screen close-ups of the live action broadcast about the restaurant. The Knowledge Exchange provides the entertainment via masters and apprentices working side by side on projects from to bird houses to monuments. The goal is to surround guests with the creative process for their study and gratification.
     With everything from furnishings to statuary provided by Timeless Sculptures, patrons may purchase any element of the decor or collaborate with an on-site designer to specially commission a  "future heirloom" of their own.  Watch for developments...
             Although I miss the Lake, I am pleased with our decision to come to Carson City -- but it was not entirely voluntary. In the end, the gallery and guild were driven out by small town politics, at times given to corruption, and by big-money, out-of-town interests which seek to control Tahoe. A disproportionate tripling of the rents was the final straw, the details of which are yet to be written.  For now, my time is filled with exciting projects.  
             Speaking of writing, for years I have been refining my skills by publishing articles about the guild's creative activities for some local, national and international magazines and journals. I anticipate broadening my scope of topics and venue as our ideas unfolds. As such, I will be accepting more publishing commitments. My articles are bound to flag people's attention, and footnotes will direct artists and customers to our website. I have a feeling they'll be happy to get aquatinted with one another.
            To that end, we have mapped out a website that is informative, educational and entertaining, all geared to the customer's needs, of course. Updated frequently, the site will feature studio activities, so one can watch projects evolve from conception to placement.  All of our efforts, including the web-site, our active sculpture garden, the Gallery/Restaurant and The Knowledge Exchange will teach people about the creative process. From tools, techniques and materials to the time-honored sport of stalking the illusive concept, Timeless Sculptures has been designed to motivate creative thought.       
            Visit our website: www.TimelessSculptures.com to witness the evolution, but don't expect miracles just yet. Our knowledge in this area is as challenged as the equipment I have above mentioned. Both are pending the arrival of an angel; one who understands the potential represented by a creative powerhouse and the world-wide marketplace. Any entrepreneuring web gurus out there?  After all, angels, like artists, must fund their own inspirations. Just ask Joe, over at the BAC (did you know he's trying to buy St. Theresa’s Church to use it as a recital hall? Go Joe.).   
            Speaking of such inspirations, I am invigorated to see the genuine support for creativity and initiative here in Nevada. Leaving Tahoe was a heart breaker for sure, everyone loves Tahoe, but I am grateful to expand my service to the Carson/Reno valley.  So far, that service has been an honor I hope to repay with whatever it is that my friends and I have to give. We look forward to being part of the evolving Carson community.
            It's funny how things go. I am humbled and reminded that each end sparks a new beginning.