Smithwick artist Dan Pogue stands with his larger-than-life sculpture ‘Warriors,’ which towers over him at 15 feet. Staff photo by JoAnna Kopp
Half of the building is an artist’s studio, jam-packed with tools, instruments, clay molds, and concept art. The other half is a gallery featuring sculptures large and small.
For a start-to-finish glimpse of sculpture-making, tour the Pogue Sculpture Gallery and Foundry in Smithwick.
Pogue has been a sculptor for decades. Originally from Oklahoma, he found his passion in sculpting at the age of 25, when he worked as an apprentice under internationally renowned sculptor Keating Donohoe.
“Early on, I came to the realization that sculpting is something I would do for the rest of my life,” Pogue said. “I work with lots of subject matters and different styles. My whole life has been experimenting. It keeps me interested.”
More than 30 of his sculptures are featured across the country in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and other states. In Marble Falls, his sculptures can be found up and down Main Street, in front of Blue Bonnet Cafe on U.S. 281, or in Johnson Park, where his statue of local music legend Floyd Tillman stands with his guitar and a smile on his face.
Pogue has called Texas home since the 1970s, and after spending several years living in Austin, he moved to Smithwick to open a foundry (a workshop for casting metal), where he could have the space to work on his bronze creations.
“It was better to have property to do what I need without disturbing the neighbors,” he said wryly.
At the foundry, visitors can see what it takes to make a bronze sculpture. It starts with a conception, where Pogue creates a small clay model to visualize his project. He likens the clay models to sketches — he starts small before enlarging.
Once his project is ready to become full-sized, it goes through a long process of models, rubber and wax molds, casting, and welding. A small piece can take three months; a very large piece, three years.
To visit the foundry, an appointment is strongly recommended. Schedule a tour with Pogue himself to meet the artist and learn about his craft.
The Pogue Sculpture Gallery and Foundry is located at 7670 RR 1431 East in Smithwick. Call (830) 693-9544 or visit danpoguesculpture.com for more information.
