Holding the keys to creating, reproducing and distributing limited-edition sculptures from prolific artists, Battle Ground company Foundry Michelangelo has become a key player in the fine arts industry.
Located in Battle Ground Village, Foundry Michelangelo commissions and produces artworks for high-end clients worldwide. Founded by Mark Russo, a veteran of the art world with nearly four decades of experience, the company originated as Treasure Investments in 2016 before acquiring and renaming the former Boring Foundry to Foundry Michelangelo in 2018.
“I’ve been in the art world for 38 years, started out very young, grew up in a family of artists and kind of got my foothold in the eighties. I’ve had phenomenal successes and some phenomenal failures along the way,” Russo said.
Fine arts foundries like Foundry Michelangelo commission or purchase the rights from artists or their estates to produce limited-edition sculptures for high-end clients. Shipping manager Joe Welding explained that once the company commissions or purchases the rights, the limited editions are molded in Oregon-based foundries working with Foundry Michelangelo.
“It really just begins with the artists creating the original. That original, as we call a mock-up or that original prototype, is where we put on the materials to be able to create a master mold, which has evolved over the years,” Welding explained. “And so, depending on the size of the project, we can have anywhere from one mold to upwards of 100 different pieces to that mold.”
Among its esteemed collection, the company features work by Lorenzo Ghiglieri, a world-renowned sculptor whose creations have been presented to former President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II and Queen Elizabeth II. Foundry Michelangelo holds over 700 master molds by Ghiglieri, including “The Presidential American Patriot,” a 38-inch statue of a bald eagle guarding the U.S. Constitution, holding a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The bronze editions of this statue were valued between $38,000 and $70,000, while the silver editions, limited to 10, were sold for $200,000 or more.
Russo explained that, in 2006, he commissioned Ghiglieri to help shape the eagle and contributed to designing the U.S. Constitution portion of the statue. He noted that the piece has consistently been a favorite among high-end collectors. A gold version of the statue currently sits in the Mar-a-Lago resort, and at least two are owned by the Trump family.
“I love, as an artist and designer, to find really good talents and then collaborate on creating a new image. Half of me is an artist. Half of me is an entrepreneur,” Russo said.
Ghiglieri’s son, Laran, frequently visits Foundry Michelangelo and has contributed several of his own molds. One such piece, “Reflections of America,” is a 65-inch bronze sculpture depicting two eagles battling over the American flag, symbolizing societal conflicts within America. A mold of this sculpture was displayed in Lahaina, Hawaii, last year and was damaged in the Maui wildfire. After being meticulously recovered and restored, the piece now resides proudly in the company’s Battle Ground office.
Last year, the company sold approximately 5,000 pieces, many of which were commissioned by Park West Galleries, their largest client, which features their artwork aboard over 100 cruise ships. The company also collaborates with more than 90 art galleries, where their sculptures are sold.
“It’s been very well received because the artwork is inspirational … So that’s why we’re so excited about sharing it with the world. We’ve had a phenomenal outpouring of excitement from the art world and people that have had a chance to see the artwork,” Russo said.
In addition to its commercial success, Foundry Michelangelo supports charitable causes. The company donates artwork to charity auctions, with proceeds split 50/50 between the company and nonprofits. This initiative has raised an estimated $50 million for organizations such as the American Red Cross and Wounded Warriors, COO Ricky Reed said.
The company hosts Museo Michelangelo, an appointment-only art exhibit showcasing its exclusive works when not displayed in galleries. People can reach out to schedule an appointment at 503-575-7455.
To learn more about Foundry Michelangelo, visit foundrymichelangelo.com.