Look Forward, Look Back

Works by Lawrence “Larry” Bechtel

Nov 9 – Dec 25

Opening reception and meet-the-artist, November 17th, 5-7pm

Bechtel’s sculptures always tell a story.  The storytelling comes from teaching English at Virginia Tech and telling children’s stories at the Blacksburg New School.  In 1971 Larry Bechtel graduated from Wheaton College near Chicago, where his father taught literature and his mother was a librarian.  He earned a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in 1985 and is a published author of the first two volumes of a historical fiction trilogy, “The Tinsmith’s Apprentice,” and a collection of short stories, “’The House of Poetry’ and other stories.”

“Calling the Powers” is probably the most loved of Bechtel’s sculptures to date and can be found along the Roanoke Greenway behind Black Dog Salvage in Masters Memorial Park.

Sue Farrar, former executive director and current Art Coordinator of  the MMAH said,  “We have been trying for years to get an exhibition of Larry Bechtel’s work.  He is known nationally and internationally.”  Bechtel is a member of the National Sculpture Society and has studied with some of the foremost sculptors, including Richard MacDonald, Louise Petersen, Janet Mauro, Garland Weeks, and Simon Kogan.

Websites:

• http://www.lawrencebechtel.com/
• http://www.bechtelsculpture.com/

Pieces in the exhibit include: