A Gift in Stone: Sculptor Enriches O’Brien Library

BLUE RIVER: The O’Brien Memorial Library received a new piece of public art thanks to Eugene sculptor Mark Andrew, who donated and installed a hand-carved limestone column on Wednesday, November 26.

Andrew, who grew up in New York before attending high school in France, traces his passion for art to early exposure to European sculpture and craftsmanship. “Art was the handwork from which beauty blooms,” he feels, a belief that guided him into a lifelong career.

His formal training began at the University of Oregon under renowned Pacific Northwest sculptor Paul Buckner, where he first took up wood carving. Investing in a full set of Swiss-made chisels, Andrew experimented widely with Oregon hardwoods. He later studied realistic carving techniques with Florida wildlife artist Daniel DeMendoza.

A move to Carmel, California, immersed him in a vibrant artistic community and broadened his commissions. During that period, he worked in the studio of noted figurative sculptor Richard McDonald and collaborated with Carmel Valley furniture maker Tom Ocampo, refining his skills across multiple media.

Andrew returned to Oregon in 1995, establishing a large studio at his rural home. Since then, he has produced an extensive body of work that includes human and wildlife sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze; landscape murals; bronze castings; and numerous public art installations. He is also an active member of the Northwest Stone Sculptors’ Association.

Andrew will be presenting an O’Brien Library Art Talk about his work and the new installation at a soon to be announced date.