3D FAST Sculpting Artist to visit BHS

     The Bettendorf High School Drama Department is hosting a Visiting Artist presentation by Jon Erickson.  Erickson will present ÒFAST Sculpting MediaÓ Thursday, September 5 from 1:15-3:15 p.m. in the Bettendorf High School auditorium.
      The presentation will feature both a visual record of some of JonÕs diverse creative efforts (from dolls, huge bug heads and statues to ENORMOUS scenic sculptures and more), live demonstrations of his favorite materials and Òcool stuffÓ with touchable examples, and a valuable hand-out which lists the names of the various materials and where you might find them.
      Jon O. Erikson was a Ô73 graduate of Bettendorf High School. Among many high school activities, Jon was an Art student and very active in the Theatre department.  He received his B.A. in Studio Arts and Speech/Theatre from Augustana College, Rock Island. While
at Augie Erickson was also a Bootlegger at Circa Õ21 Dinner Playhouse and freelanced as scenic artist designer, and props crafter.
     Currently Erickson is living in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Jon has done freelance production work for the Minnesota Opera, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater, design work for Theater in the Round, Plymouth Playhouse,Medora Musical, display work for the Minnesota Zoo, the Guthrie, Apropos Studio and others, novelty costumes, and commercial movie / TV ÒspecialtyÓ projects.
       For the last three years, Jon has worked at the Science Museum of Minnesota in the position of Fabricator 3, although he was quickly moved into doing Prototyper work, actualizing and developing new exhibit ideas into functional interactives.
        Erickson is now moving toward more freelance work as a commissioned sculptor.  He has developed a group of Workshops and Presentations dubbed ÒREAL CreationsÓ. Through these, Erickson hopes to continue his lifelong mentoring, and hopefully inspire and enlighten others who love to create with their hands in the Arts and Crafts, in their educations, in their careers, or simply in enhancing their creative possibilities.  Jon brings to his mentoring programs over twenty years of professional experiences, his passion for excellence, and his careerÕs plethora of Òtricks of all tradesÓ.