Harold Balazs (1928-2017)

Harold Balazs, titanic figure on Northwest art scene, dies at 89

Section:Gallery

Sun., Dec. 31, 2017

In this 2010 file photo, Harold Balazs, 81, stands behind his rusted steel "New Moon" sculpture, part of a major Balazs exhibit opening at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

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Two women walk past Birds of the Northwest by Harold Balazs on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

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In this Sept. 3, 2013 file photo, artist Harold Balazs talks about his upcoming show in his studio near his home in Mead.

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In this Dec. 4, 2015 file photo, Tanden Launder, of Thrux Lawrence, a leather goods manufacturer, attached the Harold Balazs "Transcend the Bullshit" belt buckle to a leather belt at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene. The buckle is part of the 17th Annual Small Artworks Invitational.

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In this Sept. 11, 2014 file photo, a Ferris High School courtyard specially designed for science students features ponds, and a sculpture by Spokane artist Harold Balazs.

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In this Sept. 16, 2010 file photo, Hite Crane employees Bud Gill, left, and Jeff Krizanic intall a Harold Balazs sign sculpture at their new location at 17515 E. Appleway.

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In this Oct. 31, 2008 file photo, artist Harold Balazs stands by one of his abstract metal pieces at his home. He is best known for his abstract sculpture and his enamel panels, but his also draws, produces wood sculpture and paints. For more than 50 years, he has been a fixture in the art world in the region and his pieces, both public and private, are everywhere.

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In this Oct. 31, 2008 file photo, artist Harold Balazs sprinkles ground glass onto sheet metal at his home studio.

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In this Oct. 31, 2008 file photo, artist Harold Balazs bends over a piece of sheet metal covered with a stencil in his studio at his home. After firing, the powdered glass he has sprinkled on it will become a coating called "enamel", a technique for which he is well-known.

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In this May 19, 2007 file photo, artist Harold Balazs unveils his sculpture "Blow Your Horn"at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market.

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In this June 24, 2006 file photo, one of the coolest spots at Hoopfest 2006 was the new Harold Balazs designed Rotary fountain in Riverfront Park. Kids played in the water and hoop teams cooled off between games in the huge water feature that is new this year.

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In this Aug. 22, 2005 file photo, a metal sculpture by local artist Harold Balazs stands outside the Whitworth library and near the tower at the center of campus. The piece was donated to the College in 2003 and is just one of several pieces on the north Spokane campus. Artwork and a forest of trees make the campus an enjoyable and educational walk.

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Harold Balazs created a concrete sculpture in the form of a Japanese lantern which stands as a landmark at the rivers edge behind the Opera House, in this 2001 file photo. Looking from the inside of the tall structure to the outside it frames the clock tower in Riverfront Park.

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In this Oct. 5, 1999 file photo, artist Harold Balazs poses for a photo with the "Circle of Friends” sculpture he created in the courtyard at Mt. Spokane High.

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In this 1996 file photo, artist Harold Balazs tacks down styrofoam forms that will create a contrasting cement pattern Balazs calls a "crazy quilt" dance floor in front of the Fort Sherman Stage at North Idaho College. Volunteer artists created the designs, which will come to life with help from local contractors, volunteers and the Citizens Council for the Arts. "We just wanted a cool place to dance," said volunteer Mike Dodge, who has joined in dancing at events like Art on the Green.

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In this Jan. 29, 1994 file photo, artist Harold Balazs of Mead, Wash., surrounded by his sculpture, paintings and metalwork, discusses his work at NIC's Union Gallery. His work adorns the lobby of the CdA Resort, Riverfront Park and the Spokane Opera House.

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Balazs created these figures for St. Charles Church. N4515 Alberta, Spokane seen in this June 9, 1986 file photo.

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In this 1973 file photo, admiring the first sculpture gift to Evergreen State College at Olympia are two Spokane students, R. Ned Swift and Linda Breeden. The 10-foot-tall sculpture is the work of Spokane artist Harold Balazs and was donated to the college by a Tacoma architect. Columbia Buff concrete was used for the one-ton piece.

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In this May 11, 1973 file photo, this 11-foot, self-rusting steel cross dominates the entrance of the new St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Veradale. Rosarium cross designed by Harold Balazs.

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In this Oct. 30, 1967 file photo, the check-out desk is at main entrance of Kennedy Memorial Library at EWSC, adjacent to card files. Art work on wall is by Spokane artist Harold Balazs; tries to convey "dissimilar ideas collected and stacked one on the other to form fabric of society."

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In this 1954 file photo, Spokane artist Harold Balazs poses with samples of his artwork included in his one-man exhibit at W. 714 Sprague.

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