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The Artist

Mike Hansel

Sculptor, fabricator, and educator based in Middletown, Rhode Island, working at the meeting point of the organic and the industrial.

Mike Hansel fabricating a sculpture in his studio
Mike Hansel hand-fabricating a large-scale piece in the studio.

As a sculptor based in Middletown, RI, I am deeply inspired by the oceanic surroundings that characterize this coastal state. From the rhythmic movements of the waters to the ethereal essence of marine life, my work is a reflection of the weightless and buoyant qualities found in the depths of the sea.

With a desire to create paradoxical situations in my large-scale metal sculptures, I am continually drawn to exploring the intersection between the organic and the industrial. Through my training and hands-on experience, I have developed a distinctive style that blends the precision of craftsmanship with the fluidity of natural forms.

Having collaborated on numerous public installations nationwide, I am passionate about creating artwork that not only captivates visually but also resonates with its surroundings. Whether it's through the graceful curves of a wave or the intricate detailing of marine life, each piece embodies a synthesis of artistry and technical expertise.

"I think of my sculptures as reconstructions from my visual memory — personal observations of my surroundings, exploring the concepts of stability and the relationship between numerous elements when they work together to establish a unified whole."

Mike Hansel installing a sculpture at deCordova
From Studio to Site

Hand-built, then installed across the country.

Most ideas begin with preliminary drawings and clay models, then move to the shop floor, where each piece is fabricated by hand. Finished works have been installed nationwide, including at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Curriculum Vitae

Selected
Education
University of Pennsylvania — Master of Fine Art, Sculpture. Graduate School of Fine Art, Philadelphia, PA
University of Cincinnati — Bachelor of Fine Art, Ceramics, Summa Cum Laude. College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning
Professional
Hansel 3D LLC, Middletown, RI — Owner, sculpture and metal furnishings, 2016–present
St. George's School, Middletown, RI — The J. Vaughan Merrick III Chair in Architecture, Art History & Painting, 1993–present
Salve Regina University, Newport, RI — Adjunct Professor of Sculpture
Western New Mexico University — Adjunct Professor of Metal Fabrication
Public Commissions
Buffalo Creek Art Center, Gardnerville, NV — permanent installation
Newport Art Museum, Newport, RI
Village of Oak Park, IL  ·  Fidelity Bank, Providence, RI
State University of New York, Fredonia  ·  The Gow School, NY
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, CA  ·  Tuscawilla Art Park, FL
Selected Exhibitions
Oeno Gallery, Ontario, Canada — Outdoor Garden Exhibition, 2024
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, Lenox, MA — Sculpture at The Mount, 2024
Canal Park, New York, NY — Juried Sculpture Show, 2024
Voltz Clarke Gallery, New York, NY — 2021
deCordova Museum, Lincoln, MA — Large-scale installation, 2004–2014
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ — ISC Member Juried Exhibition
Navy Pier Walk, Chicago, IL — International outdoor sculpture show
SOHO20 Gallery Chelsea, New York, NY — Best of Show

Recognition

Best of Show

Newport Art Museum

Best of Show

Rosen Outdoor Sculpture, Appalachian State

Best of Show

SOHO20 Chelsea, NYC

Best of Show

Port Warwick Sculpture Festival

See the work in person.

Explore the full portfolio, or start a conversation.

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