The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Bio
Mark Yale Harris realized his true passion – stone carving – in the 1990s. Having moved to Santa Fe, he was mentored by sculptors Bill Prokopiof (Aleut) and Doug Hyde (Nez Perce). Over the past twenty years, Harris has unrelentingly challenged and reveled in his creative side. Harris’ works in alabaster, marble, limestone and bronze express his perspective on the inherent duality in mans’ essence.
Prior to this shift, Harris spent many successful years in the real estate and hotel business. Of his 250+ exhibitions, Harris has had 90+ solo shows in gallery, museum and international exhibitions. Exhibition highlights include: Marin MOCA, Booth Western Art Museum, National Sculpture Society, Royal Academy of Arts, National Museum of Wildlife Art, The Royal Scottish Academy, Millicent Rodgers Museum, Fredric Remington Art Museum, Museum of the Southwest, Palm Springs Art Museum, Austin Museum of Art, Open Air Museum (Ube, Japan), Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Polk Museum of Art and The Village Green Sculpture Park.
110+ publications have featured his sculpture in the past 10 years, including American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur, Sculpture News, Southwest Art, Contempo Annual, LandEscape Contemporary Art Review (London), Magazine 43 (Berlin, Hong Kong and Manila), USA Today, Santa Fean, and Art Daily News.
Harris is represented by eighteen galleries (US and UK). Works in permanent public collections include, among others: Hilton Hotels; Booth Western Art Museum; La Posada Hotel, Santa Fe; Herman Memorial Hospital, Houston; State of New Mexico; Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago; and City of Roanoke Historic District.
Artist Statement
The purpose of my artwork is to invoke an awakening of the sensual. Stimulating a perceptual, internal, and intellectual response for the viewer: a visual that speaks to life’s experiences. Creating symbols of universal connection underscores the relationship that one has to another and to nature.
Art conveys my nonverbal view of life. An ongoing portrayal of myself, my behavior, adventure, exploration, risk taking, and non-acceptance of convention and the status quo. Constantly in search of the new and different – I am fascinated with the unconventional. Life has a hard, aggressive side, as does much of my work, represented by rigid, angular lines. However, the soft side is also apparent, visible as curves and soft forms.
Using the invaluable experience of the mentorship of Bill Prokopiof and Doug Hyde, along with my own vision, I have created an evolving body of work in alabaster, marble, limestone, and bronze. Combining different elements, I bring forth a duality in the sculptures that I create.