Ken MacDonald, Sculptor - North Kingstown Arts Council

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 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.

Gallery of Work

Ken MacDonald Sculpture Trail

Allen’s Harbor Birdhouse

Allen Harbor Road, North Kingstown

Welded Statue

Location link

Photo Credit, “The Independent”, Click to Enlarge

Tree of Life

Old Library Park, 55 Brown Street North Kingstown

Location Link

Read Poem

TREE OF LIFE
Springing from the fertile earth of The Garden of Life
the enchanted tree limbs laden with seductive fruit
invites all who chance to pass through its gates
beckons to the fortunate to taste of its bounty
with a promise of health longevity prosperity
deep burgundies rich turquoise blues
entice and dazzle tempting even the most cautious
to abandon doubt and savor the life-giving nectar

Roberta MacDonald
February 2016

Choo Choo Train Bike Rack

North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street

Location Link

More Info

Fountain

St Paul’s Meditation Garden

Location Link

Info

Fish Bike Rack

North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street

Location Link

A Whale’s Tale

Seen only from water Private Residence, Cove south of Town Dock

Location in Water

Read Poem

A WHALE’S TALE

The tale of the whale is an ancient yarn
the legend of a leviathan
Dazzling performers leap in mid-air
breaching lob-tailing with finesse and flair
A slap of the flukes and the tail disappears
but listening closely you’re liable to hear
haunting songs echoing deep in the sea
mournfully sharing their need to swim free
Riding the tides navigating the ocean
a seasonal journey of harmonic motion
An eye out for threatening creatures below
on their migration route young calves in tow
Perceiving all danger with internal guidance
nurturing gentle mammalian giants

Roberta MacDonald

Sea Spirit

North Kingstown Town Beach

Polished Aluminum

Location Link

Info & Poem

This piece at the entrance of the town beach was a gift to the town. It will live on as a monument to Ken’s gift of creativity and his love of our town.

SEA SPIRIT
Circling round see how it alters
majestic wind-filled sail
giant sea-bird standing guard or
abstract musician offering gift of self
with double-stringed promise
In grip of imagination a strong
sea-breeze stirs billowing sail
magic lute strums melodious refrain
harmonizing with sweet bird-song
Do you see what I see?

Roberta MacDonald
Poets’ Voices
January 2015

Native American Jesus

495 Gilbert Stuart Road (Sunrose Farm)

Location Link

Info & Poem

This sculpture can be experienced at Sunrose Farm. People are invited for a quiet walk through this 7 circuit labyrinth. As you reach the center, experience the feeling of peace. Ken was able to create this sculpture from a dream Sybil had. He created it from an oil drum. It appears that Native Americans occupied this area in the past. Stay as long as you want! Bring a lunch and enjoy viewing the natural beauty of the farm.

(A prayer for those who roamed and worked)

Great Spirit of the Narragansett
Overseer of the land of your forefathers
Savior of those who come in time of chaos
Seeking the gift of guidance renewed spirit
Refresh your children with all-embracing arms
whether joy or sorrow sickness or health
Instill peace of mind openness of heart
wrap your forsaken souls in loving comfort

Roberta MacDonald
November 1, 2002

The Embrace

Private Residence 84 Carpenter’s Lane, Saunderstown

Parking Location
Park on the street, go through the pergola then the sculpture is on the left

Read Poem

Link to all locations grouped in a Google Map.