Karla Wyss Tye
Artist's Statement:

-Something About Bird Images

Birds are an important mythological symbol that has persisted since ancient times to the present day. Because of their wings birds are not bound to the earth but are free to explore the heavens. Freedom to fly is the reason why birds have been chosen to represent our spiritual self, our soul, that part of ourselves that knows no boundaries and is a part of something larger, which allows us to dream, to create and explore the mysteries.

Karla Wyss Tye is a professional sculptor who's work has been included in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions including local, regional and national shows. Karla has been included in the Michigan Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition sponsored by the Business Consortium for the Arts, Southfield, Ml ., the All State Competition in Battle Creek, Ml., and the Krasl Biannual Sculpture Invitational, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Ml. Karla was a founding member of the Kalamazoo Bronze Casting Company, a touring group which exhibited in and around Ml for several years.

Karla received her graduate and undergraduate degrees from Western Michigan University and has done post degree work at Wayne State University and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Karla a has been a faculty member of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Karla has been a guest lecturer at Western Michigan University regarding "Women In The Arts" and has conducted a Patina Workshop for the Sculpture Department..

Currently William and Karla Tye own and operate the Alchemist -Tye Studio Inc. The Alchemist is a fine art foundry located in Kalamazoo Ml, which specializes in mold making and casting using the lost wax method. The Tye's cast their own work and that of many professional artists including: Kirk Newman, Stephen Hansen, Carole Harrison, Frank Gallo and Virginio Ferrari. In 1996 the Tye's opened the Park Gallery which specializes in bronze sculpture.

Karla's sculpture "The Nightbird's Apprentice" is included in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Permanent Collection. Other works of Karla can be found at the Sturgis, Ml., Arts Council and the Douglas Community Center in Kalamazoo. Karla's work is included in many private collections including that of David Markin, Dr. William Byrnes, and Thomas and Donna Lambert.

Karla is represented by the Cain Gallery in Saugatuck, MI., the TRA Gallery at the Design Center in Troy Ml. and the Park Gallery in Kalamazoo Ml.