PRINCIPAL MEDIA
Freestanding and relief sculpture in bronze, copper, steel, stone, glass, wood, resin.
Oil painting and drawing.
EDUCATION
University of Cincinnati (Ohio), Master of Fine Arts degree, August 1975. Major emphasis: painting and sculpture, landscape oriented. Full tuition scholarship; second-year teaching assistantship.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, May 1973. Major emphasis: painting and sculpture, landscape and figure oriented.
SELECT COLLECTIONS
Marshfield Medical Center – Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wis. Direct purchase of the paintings Bear Cave, Crossing Shadows, Driftless Highway, Indigo Bunting and On Hogeboom, and the sculptures Agate Swallows, Chasm, Dust, Slate Swallows and String.
Mayo Health System, Luther Campus, Eau Claire, Wis. Direct purchase of the paintings Great River Road and Zen Rain, and the sculptures The Rivers Are Mine and T-Table.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Direct purchase of the sculptures Bound Bass, Study for Woodland Counterpoint, Trestle and Two Sides of the Same Saltine.
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Eye and Vortex, direct purchases through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hillside, direct purchase through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Roil, direct purchase through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Wedge, direct purchase through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
Willmar Community College, Willmar, Minn. Curve and Sugar Maple, direct purchases through the Minnesota State Arts Board's Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
SELECT COMMISSIONS
Central Lakes College, Staples, Minn., 2008. Elevation, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
Acuity Insurance, Sheboygan, Wis., 2008. Elemental, indoor sculpture in wood and copper.
Acuity Insurance, Sheboygan, Wis., 2006. Yin Yang, two large-scale indoor sculptures in stainless steel.
Moose Lake Geology Interpretive Center, Moose Lake, Minn., 2004. Realm, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, Faribault, Minn., 2003. Symmetry, wall relief sculpture in bronze, aluminum and nickel bronze commissioned through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
St. Raymond of Peñafort Church, Fall Creek, Wis., 2002. St. Raymond of Peñafort, outdoor life-size statue in bronze and stainless steel.
Minnesota Department of Revenue, Ely, Minn., 2001. Trace, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel and iron ore commissioned through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Ore., 1999. Cascade Leaf, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel, copper, bronze and glass.
Allina Health System of Minnesota, Long Prairie, Minn., 1999. Reflections, bronze and oak wall relief.
Cornell Elementary School, Cornell, Wis., 1998. Rainbow Trail, bronze wall relief.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, Wis., 1998. Balance Wheel, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
REI, Bloomington, Minn., 1997. Fireplace doors in steel, stainless steel and bronze.
University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wis., 1997. Woodland Spire, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel and bronze commissioned through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
Ryan Companies U.S., Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., 1997. Arrival, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through Art Resources Gallery, Edina, Minn., for the Value RX/Old Mills Building. Located at 4700 Nathan Lane North, Plymouth, Minn.
University of Montana, Missoula, Mont., 1996. Flight Column, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through the Montana Arts Council Percent-for-Art Program.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Songbirds, cast bronze wall relief commissioned in duplicate by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University Foundation, the Alumni Board and the development and university relations staff.
Law Firm of Foley and Lardner, Madison, Wis., 1995. Direct purchase and commission of freestanding bronze sculpture.
Winona State University, Winona, Minn., 1993. Flyway, outdoor sculpture in weathering steel commissioned through the Minnesota State Arts Board's Percent for Art in Public Places Program.
William S. Cohen School, Bangor, Maine, 1993. Dawnland and Sightseers, cast bronze wall relief sculptures commissioned through the Maine State Arts Commission's Percent for Art Program.
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Union South, 1990. Crosscut and Oak Leaf Cluster, cast bronze and oak wall relief sculptures. Commissioned through the Wisconsin Arts Board’s Percent for Art Program.
Cray Research, Inc., Chippewa Falls, Wis., 1986. Spectral Variance, wall relief in cast bronze, oak and stained glass.
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Foundation, Inc., 1986–1999. Specialty castings for awards programs, beginning with a limited edition of 50 bronze bells.
Viennese Ball, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, 1985. Limited edition of 12 bronze boxes.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Davies Center, 1984. Woodland Counterpoint, bronze wall relief sculpture commissioned through the Wisconsin Arts Board's Percent for Art Program.
3M Corporation, Minneapolis, Minn., 1977–1980. Pathfinder Award, edition of 40 brass astrolabe trophies awarded for innovation in 3M international businesses.
Uptown Builders, Minneapolis, Minn., 1978. Stained glass window.
E. C. Chmel, Inc., Eau Claire, Wis. Four paintings.
St. Simeon Church, Chippewa Falls, Wis. Altar painting.
SELECT EXHIBITIONS
Robert J. Gehrke — A Retrospective, L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (January 12 – March 16, 2020). Memorial exhibition.
Then: Founding Artists of the Chippewa Valley, Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire, Wis. (March 29 – May 17, 2019). Group invitational exhibition (posthumous).
We Went to the Woods, Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire, Wis. (October 26 – December 7, 2018). Group invitational exhibition.
Northern National Art Competition, Nicolet College, Rhinelander, Wis. (October 1 – November 9, 2018; 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1993, 1990). Juried national competition.
ArtsWest, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (February 25 – April 6, 2018; 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984). Juried regional competition.
Tangled Up in Hue, Eau Claire, Wis. (September–October 2017). One-person exhibition.
Four Accomplished Gents, 200 Main Gallery, Eau Claire, Wis. (July 11 – August 30, 2017). Four-person exhibition.
Ways of Being, Riverview Gallery, The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wis. (December 2, 2016 – January 8, 2017). One-person exhibition.
National Parks — Personal Narratives, The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wis. (October 21 – November 27, 2016). Juried national exhibition.
Merging Remnants, Volume One Gallery, Eau Claire, Wis. (July–August 2016). One-person exhibition.
Bemidji Sculpture Walk, Bemidji, Minn. (2016–2017). Juried year-round outdoor sculpture exhibition.
National Figurative Drawing & Painting Competition and Exhibition, Lore Degenstein Gallery, Susquehanna University, Selinsgove, Penn. (2015, 2013, 2011). Juried national competition.
Art Kudos (2017, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009). Juried international online competition.
National Juried Exhibition, First Street Gallery, New York, N.Y. (2015, 2013). Juried national competition.
Culture and Agriculture, New Visions Gallery, Marshfield, Wis. (2015, 2008). Juried regional competition.
Fast Forward Forty, Foster Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (2015). Two-person alumni exhibition.
Near and Far, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2014). One-person exhibition.
Sculpture Tour Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wis. (2014). Juried year-round outdoor sculpture exhibition.
Driftless, Abode Gallery, Stockholm, Wis. (2013). Group exhibition.
A Gathering, Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls, Wis. (2013). Group regional exhibition.
Healing Arts Exhibition, Hudson Hospital and Clinic, Hudson, Wis. (2013). Group exhibition.
Enriching Arts, Croixdale Senior Housing Center, Bayport, Minn. (2012). Group exhibition.
BE Fitness Center, Delafield, Wis. (2010). One-person exhibition.
Bird Life, Dooryard Gallery, Elm Grove, Wis. (2010). Invitational group exhibition.
Gaston School Gallery, Cottage Grove, Wis. (2010, 2009). One-person exhibition.
Birds in Art 2009, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wis. (2009). Juried international competition.
The Richeson 75 International Figure / Portrait 2009 Art Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wis. (2009). Juried international competition.
Archetypes, The Space, New Richmond, Wis. (2008). Invitational exhibition.
The Richeson 75 International Landscape & Exteriors 2007 Art Competition, Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, Wis. (2007). Juried international competition.
Wood and Metal Matters, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2007). Invitational exhibition.
Rivers: A Group Exhibit, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2007). Invitational exhibition.
Wisconsin Artists Biennial, Haggerty Museum of Art, Milwaukee, Wis. (2007). Juried state exhibition.
Visiting Abstractions, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2006). Invitational exhibition.
Midwest Fine Art Competition, Municipal Art League of Chicago, Beverly Art Center, Chicago, Ill. (2006). Juried regional competition.
North American Sculpture Exhibition, Foothills Art Center, Golden, Colo. (2006, 1994). Juried national competition.
Greater Midwest International Exhibition XXI, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Mo. (2006). Juried international competition.
The Mighty Midwest Biennial, New Visions Gallery, Marshfield, Wis. (2006). Juried regional competition.
Forward: A Survey of Wisconsin Art Now, Charles Allis Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wis. (2005). Juried regional competition.
Midwest Winter Exhibit, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wis. (2005, 1997). Juried national competition.
Firsts & Bests of 25 ArtsWests, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2004). Invitational exhibition.
Landscapes + Icons, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (2003). Two-person exhibition.
Time and Place, De Ricci Gallery, Edgewood College, Madison, Wis. (2003). One-person exhibition.
Midwest Regional Juried Landscape Exhibition, Paine Art Center and Gardens, Oshkosh, Wis. (2002). Juried regional competition.
58th Juried Exhibition, Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City, Iowa (2002). Juried national competition.
Bachelor of Fine Arts: The First 10 Years, Foster Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (2001). Invitational exhibition.
7th Biennial Regional Arts Competition and Exhibition, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL (2000). Juried regional competition.
July Sculpture Show, Sunbird Gallery, Bend, Ore. (1999). Group exhibition.
Robert Gehrke & Sarah Tennessen, Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater Gallery, Menomonie, Wis. (1997). Two-person exhibition.
Metamorphosis, Constance Lindholm Fine Art, Shorewood, Wis. (1997). Juried exhibition.
Enhancing the Living Space, West Bend Art Museum, West Bend, Wis. (1996). Invitational exhibition.
Flora 96, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Ill. (1996). Juried regional exhibition.
Gehrke | Taddeucci | Schall, Brown County Library, Green Bay, Wis. (1996).
Elements of Style — 19 Furniture Artists, Crossman Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (1994).
Engaging Elements, Harry Nohr Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Platteville (1994). One-person exhibition.
West Art and The Law 1993–94 , organized by West Publishing Company, Eagan, Minn. National touring exhibition.
Gehrke | Knowlton | Mainquist, The State: Regional Arts Center Gallery, Eau Claire, Wis. (1993).
The Midwestern Sculpture Exhibition 1992, South Bend Regional Museum of Art, South Bend, Ind. (1992).
Wisconsin Arts Board 1990–1991 Award Recipients, Katie Gingrass Gallery, Milwaukee, Wis. (1992).
Robert Gehrke and Roger Kast, Anderson & Anderson Gallery, Minneapolis, Minn. (1992).
Copper III, 1991 National Metal Competition, Old Pueblo Museum, Tucson, Ariz. (1992).
Juried Alumni Art Exhibit, Foster Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (1991).
Headwaters National, 1991 art competition, Bemidji Community Arts Center, Bemidji, Minn.
National Works on Paper, University Museums, University of Mississippi, University, Miss. (1991).
Bradley National 23 Print and Drawing Exhibition, Hartmann and Heuser Galleries, Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. (1991).
Sixth Annual Greater Midwest International, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Mo. (1991).
Shatauporn Gulig & Robert Gehrke — Contemporary Jewelry & Cast Metal Sculpture, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (1990).
Wisconsin '90, Edna Carlsten Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (1990).
36th Annual Drawing and Small Sculpture Show, Ball State University Art Gallery, Muncie, Ind. (1990).
Metal Media, Sawtooth Center for Visual Design, Winston–Salem, N.C. (1990).
Signatures, Katie Gingrass Gallery, Milwaukee, Wis. (1990).
Fish Tales, Galleria Mesa, Mesa, Ariz. (1990).
Maquette Show, Construct Artists’ Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Phoenix, Ariz. (1989–1990).
Winter Group Exhibition, Groveland Gallery, Minneapolis, Minn. (1990, 1989).
Waupaca Festival of the Arts, Waupaca, Wis. (1989, 1988, 1983, 1982, 1981).
Summer Group Exhibition, Groveland Gallery, Minneapolis, Minn. (1989).
Wisconsin '89, Edna Carlsten Gallery, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (1989).
Fish: An Exhibit, Hockaday Center for the Arts, Kalispell, Mont. (1989). Touring nationally to galleries including the Minnesota Museum of Art at Landmark Center, Saint Paul, Minn.
Robert J. Gehrke — Cast Metals, L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. (1988). One-person exhibition.
Recent American Works on Paper ‘88, Second Street Gallery, Charlottesville, Va., and the Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art (1988). National touring exhibition.
1987 Biennial, Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City, Iowa (1987–1988). Eight-state regional show.
17th National Works on Paper Exhibition, Minot (North Dakota) State College (1987).
First Annual Regional Art Exhibition, Greenwood, Ind. (1986).
60th Shreveport Art Guild National Exhibition, Meadows Museum of Art, Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, La. (1984–1985).
National Metal Sculpture Show, Millersville (Pennsylvania) University (1984).
Wisconsin Designer Craftsmen Annual, Manitowac, Wis. (1982).
Currents ‘82 National Limited Edition Crafts Exhibition, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (1982).
Alumni Invitational, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (1981). Invitational exhibition.
Cincinnati Invitational, Cincinnati (Ohio) Art Museum (1975). Invitational exhibition.
Stevens Point State Competition, Stevens Point, Wis. (1973). Juried statewide competition.
Platteville Tri-State Competition, Platteville, Wis. (1972, 1971). Juried regional competition.
AWARDS + GRANTS
Northern National Art Competition, Nicolet College, Rhinelander, Wis. Benefactor Award 2018; Award of Excellence 2014; Audience Award 2008; Woodwind Institute Award 2003; Patron Award 2002; Award of Excellence 2001.
ArtsWest, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wis. 3rd Prize 2018, 2nd Prize 2015, Honorable Mention 2013, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1993; 1st Prize 1988, 1987; 2nd Prize 1984.
Sculpture Tour Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wis. People's Choice Award 2014.
Wisconsin Artists Biennial, Wisconsin Painters & Sculptors, Milwaukee, Wis. Silver Brush Award 2001.
Eau Claire Regional Arts Council, Eau Claire, Wis. Tributary Award 1996.
Wisconsin Arts Board Development Grant, 1991.
Headwaters National, Bemidji Community Arts Center, Bemidji, Minn. Second place 1991; awarded a 15-person exhibit.
36th Annual Drawing and Small Sculpture Show, Ball State University Art Gallery, Muncie, Ind. (1990). Award for "overall quality, unity of conception and exceptional craftsmanship in the execution of the work".
The Artist’s Magazine. Finalist, 1990 Wildlife Art Competition; Finalist, 1987 Landscape Painting Competition.
UW-Eau Claire Alumni Art Show, Skylight Lounge, Davies Center (1988). Presidents Award.
Waupaca Festival of the Arts, Waupaca, Wis. 1st and 2nd Prizes 1988; 1st and 2nd Prizes 1983; 1st and 2nd Prizes 1982; 1st Prize + Popular Award and 3rd Prize 1981.
Platteville Tri-State Competition, Platteville, Wis. (1971). Cash award.
MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND
MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION APRIL 2007