GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS 2004

Charles Allmond

Charles Allmond is a nationally known sculptor and former attorney. Mr. Allmond finds inspiration in the natural world. A native of Delaware, he is a graduate of P.S. du Pont High School, holds agriculture and agronomy degrees from the University of Delaware, and a law degree from Temple University. His works are exhibited throughout the nation, Canada, and Sweden. He has received numerous awards, mentions, and accolades including the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Society of Animal Artists, which he has received five times.

Smooth lines, abstract shapes, and paired, curved animals are common in Mr. Allmond's work. His technique of direct carving, versus clay modeling, allows closeness to the materials. A sense of calm, spirituality, and nature permeate his sculpture.

As a high school student, Mr. Allmond's aptitude test revealed a calling as a social worker. At the time he could not imagine it. Now reflecting on his past careers, he realizes that as an agronomist he helped feed the world, as a lawyer he helped people solve problems, and as an artist he brings beauty into people's lives. From those perspectives, he has always been a social worker. About the importance of art, Mr. Allmond says, “Art isn't essential to life, but it makes life worth living.”

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