Ken MacDonald

1935-2018

Ken MacDonald was a much-loved sculptor working out of North Kingstown Rhode Island. He was an avid patron of the arts and a mentor to many local artists. Each of his works had a story, usually filled with humor and whimsy, as his pieces were mostly made with found objects. His works can be found in public installations and at private residences. Jump to the Ken MacDonald Sculpture Trail and take a self guided tour of his works around town.

Ken studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design in the late 1950’s. After a tour of duty in the army, he spent 35 years in product design and management. He began creating welded sculpture in 1998, converting a large workshop on his property into a sculpture barn and has won over 25 juried show awards in various New England galleries & museums.

Ken’s largest work was a 10 ft tall stainless-steel outdoor sculpture now located at the NK Town Beach. Other public works include a fish-shaped bike rack at the NK Town Library, another Choo-choo train bike rack at the Brown St. Town Dock, and a large, commissioned sculpture at the Providence Art Club.

Ken’s largest work was a 10 ft tall stainless-steel outdoor sculpture now located at the NK Town Beach. Other public works include a fish-shaped bike rack at the NK Town Library, another Choo-choo train bike rack at the Brown St. Town Dock, and a large, commissioned sculpture at the Providence Art Club.

Ken was a member of the Providence Art Club, Spring Bull gallery in Newport, Newport art Museum, past president and longtime member of the Wickford Art Association as well as an exhibitor at the Wickford Art festival.

‘Found Object’ works, such as his award-winning Time Machine, were always happening in the barn. Hundreds of old recycled parts morphed into unique one-of-a-kind pieces. He liked to use a wide variety of material, exploring spatial relationships, texture, and treatments that would enhance the uniqueness of each material. Whimsey and movement often played a part in these pieces, many of which now decorate properties from coast to coast.

Recycled materials were frequently used, including salvaged stainless steel, iron, copper, glass, etc., in line with his philosophy of recycling everything possible.