15 June 2022 Governor's Awards: Alan Cottrill, Individual Artist Award Winner June 15, 2022 For Artists, For the Public, Governor's Awards 2022 Governor's Awards, Alan Cottrill, Figurative Sculpture, Governor's Awards, Individual Artist, Muskingum County, Sculpture, Zanesville 0 Alan Cottrill is a Zanesville-based artist whose monumental figurative sculptures have been exhibited and commissioned throughout the United States. Raised in Appalachian Ohio, Alan was the first in his family to graduate high school. After a stint in college, the U.S. Army, and truck driving, Alan founded a successful fast-food chain and soon became an international entrepreneur who was invited by the U.S. Department of Commerce to participate in various trade missions throughout the world. In 1990, Alan decided to leave the world of business with the goal of becoming one of the finest figurative sculptors in the world. He moved to New York City and studied at the renowned Art Students League; the National Academy of Design; and Columbia Medical Center, where he studied human anatomy, before returning to Ohio to set up his art studio and gallery. Alan’s sculptures have been exhibited throughout the U.S., and his monumental and life-sized commissions can be found in universities, colleges, libraries, and other public spaces. His work has paid tribute to historical figures, many of whom also hail from Ohio, such as former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, Olympic athlete Jesse Owens, and Zanesville-born author Zane Grey. His statue of another Ohioan, inventor Thomas Edison, is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol Building. Alan and his friend, Charles Leasure, are co-founders of Zanesville’s Coppermill Bronzeworks, a bronze foundry where they have cast more than 1,000 of Alan’s sculptures and hundreds of other artists’ work. ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS IN OHIO Since its beginning in 1971, the Governor's Awards has recognized individuals and organizations who have been vital to the growth and development of Ohio's cultural resources. One of the most prestigious arts events in Ohio, the Governor's Awards showcases and celebrates exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and patrons, and business support of the arts. Governor's Awards recipients are honored at a luncheon ceremony in Columbus, where they are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor. Each award winner receives an original piece of artwork created specifically for the event by an Ohio artist and the opportunity to share their story with other arts supporters statewide. ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov. ### Video by the Ohio Channel Comments are closed.