Persistence

by Ryan T. Schmidt

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Series, Stainless Steel, Stone​

2026, 120" x 85″ x 18”

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Bold. Reflective. Unyielding. Persistence is a commanding expression of movement, resilience, and form brought to life through the masterful vision of contemporary sculptor Ryan T. Schmidt. Known for his iconic stainless steel works, Schmidt transforms industrial material into luminous, living sculpture capturing the ever-changing light, energy, and spirit of the desert.

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Crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel, Persistence engages its environment with striking intensity. Its surface reflects not only the surrounding landscape, but the viewer themselves, blurring the boundaries between sculpture, space, and experience. Inspired by the organic rhythm of desert terrain and plant life, the form is fluid yet powerful, evoking growth, endurance, and transformation.

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Presented at the 40th Annual Dinner on the Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Persistence was presented in two scales: a tabletop edition and a monumental freestanding work. The tabletop piece was acquired during the evening’s silent auction, contributing directly to the Garden’s mission of conservation, education, and research, further reinforcing the sculpture’s connection to purpose and place. 

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Now, the freestanding edition of Persistence has just been entered at ArtPrize 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, continuing Schmidt’s legacy of impactful public installations, participating in Artprize since 2015. With a history of exhibition at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum since 2017, Schmidt’s work consistently draws collectors, curators, and architects seeking bold, site-responsive sculpture.

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Persistence is more than a sculpture, it is a statement. A centerpiece. A conversation between art, architecture, and environment. For collectors and collaborators alike, it represents a rare opportunity to engage with a work that is as enduring as it is dynamic.