CityArt Purchased Sculpture
Stand for the Flag - 2016
Artist Statement:
Stand for the Flag was the 2016 People’s Choice award winning sculpture from the City Art Walking Sculpture Tour.
Stand for the Flag depicts a Vietnam Vet standing and saluting the American flag as the parade honor guard approaches. The base represents a sidewalk and curb. The soldier lost his leg and is reminded with each step he has taken since that bad afternoon south of Da Nang. Yet he is still a true patriot, as he clenches his teeth in an attempt to hold back his tears as the symbol of his country approaches him and he snaps firmly to attention. How many people stay firmly planted in their lawn chairs as the parade honor guard passes by? A disgrace to our country, but more so to those wounded warriors standing next to him.
Location: Veteran's Memorial Plaza at 2nd and Mulberry Streets
About Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby
Lee Leuning was born in Lake Hendricks, Minnesota and grew up in north Sioux Falls. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings earning a wildlife biology degree. He worked 28 years as a wildlife officer for Tennessee and later South Dakota. During his wildlife career he developed his artistic talents through watercolor wildlife paintings. He attended 3 years at Northern State University studying bronze sculpture. Lee has an innate ability to originate artworks that appeals to a broad public. Lee is known for his attention to correct anatomy and exacting detail in their representational works. He presently resides in his hometown of Sioux Falls.
Sherri Treeby is a native of Ohio who moved to SD in the early 80’s and attended Northern State University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in art education and a Master’s Degree in art history graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1990. She was a professor of art at Presentation College in Aberdeen, teaching art history, drawing, painting, and design. The arts community recognizes her for her tutoring of upcoming young professional artists. In 2008 and 2010, Sherri was chosen “Woman Sculptor of the Year” by American Mothers, Inc.
Since forming Bad River Artworks in 1989, Sherri and Lee have created over 220 individual sculptures, large and small. She brings to the team a strong background of art history and an ability to blend that knowledge into their artwork.
Together Lee and Sherri practice a continuing and demanding critique as they sculpt their artworks. This practice helps produce a well-defined, thoughtful and dynamic sculpture that is without errors and says professional quality. During their 22 years as Bad River Artworks, they have worked efficiently with art committees and planners. It is always their goal to create an artwork that perfectly reflects the desires of their patron. Ego and personality are never an issue in their sculpting process as they achieve this goal.