Russ Vogt (b.1950)
Perseverance, 2017
Materials: Ceramic and glaze, 86”
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus, Main Building (141 N. Forge St.), Jane Fawcett Comunale Courtyard
Gift made in loving memory of Ann and Donald Stutler by their children
About the Art
Standing over seven feet tall, Perseverance is a striking and dynamic ceramic sculpture that embodies resilience, strength, and vitality. Originally acquired by Sharon Stutler, the piece was renamed to honor the enduring spirit of her parents, Donald and Ann Stutler. Ann Stutler, a longtime volunteer at Akron City Hospital, dedicated years of service to the community, making this sculpture a fitting tribute. In 2019, Stutler generously donated Perseverance to Summa Health in their memory, ensuring that their legacy of dedication and compassion continues to inspire all who visit.
With its bold use of primary colors such as red, yellow, and blue, along with lively patterns, Perseverance radiates energy and movement. Artist Russ Vogt constructs his signature “reed” forms by stacking and threading ceramic components onto a steel armature, ensuring both strength and stability. While some reeds remain strictly vertical, others bend organically, mimicking the natural sway of plants in the wind. This fluidity brings a sense of life to the sculpture, allowing it to engage in a visual dialogue with the surrounding trees and landscape in the Jane Fawcett Comunale Courtyard.
Beyond its structural ingenuity, Perseverance is rich in surface detail. Vogt impresses textures into the clay while it is still soft, then layers vibrant glazes onto each component. These glazes, made from liquid clay mixed with minerals and oxides, are applied before firing and transform into a vitreous, glass-like finish in the kiln, enhancing the durability of the work. The oxidation firing process preserves the sculpture’s brilliant hues, which remain luminous in outdoor light. Vogt’s artistic process is intuitive. Each final arrangement of color and form is determined during assembly, often shaped with input from his wife, Suzanne, who serves as both critic and collaborator.
About the Artist
Russ Vogt began his artistic career in painting, drawing, and printmaking before transitioning to sculpture. Initially influenced by surrealism, he pursued an undergraduate degree at St. Cloud University before discovering a passion for three-dimensional forms during his graduate studies at the University of Illinois. There, he found that working with clay provided both structure and flexibility, allowing him to create sculptures that retain the fluid, expressive qualities of painting.
Vogt’s work encourages movement and exploration, inviting viewers to walk around each piece to fully appreciate the shifting relationships between color, shape, and texture. His sculptures range from abstract organic forms like Perseverance to functional pieces such as mosaic-inlaid benches. His work can be found in public and private collections across New Mexico and central Ohio, where he has been a vital part of the art community for over 25 years.
Where You Can See More of Vogt’s Work
Vogt’s work is represented by the Sherrie Gallerie in Columbus, Ohio, where he has exhibited extensively. His website showcases a broad portfolio of both sculptural and painted works, revealing how his exploration of form and color extends seamlessly between two and three dimensions.
The Healing Arts at Summa Health