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by Catriona Shafer

Howard Whalen in his Sierra Madre studio, February 1969

Selected works of artist Howard Whalen will be in the display case of the Sierra Madre Public Library for the month of June for all to see during the Library’s open public hours. Sierra Madreans will be delighted with the variety of materials demonstrating the many talents — sculpture, cartoons, set design sketches, poetry, plays, and acting — of an esteemed neighbor who played a major role in the Sierra Madre cultural arts scene.

Whalen, born in Michigan in 1913, is best known as a sculptor. He created primarily with terra cotta. He moved to Sierra Madre in 1946 and worked in a studio of his own design on Carter Avenue.

After his death in 1982, friends and colleagues formed a non-profit organization and created the Howard Whalen Sculpture Garden next to his studio, providing a natural setting for approximately 70 sculptures. Many of the smaller works were displayed in the studio. In December 2005, the Whalen personal papers, photographs, and small sculptures were delivered from the Whalen Sculpture Garden and Studio to the Sierra Madre Public Library.

After World War II, Whalen penned cartoons — depicting life in the Motor City of the automotive industry — for Detroit Magazine, mailing drawings from Sierra Madre. He designed sets and playbills for theatrical productions around Los Angeles. For a short time he worked for Sierra Engineering, helping design a space capsule for NASA.

In the 1960’s Whalen, who performed with the Pasadena Repertory Company and the West Coast Theatre Company in Los Angeles, helped found the Sierra Madre Studio Players. Nominated for an award by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle in 1973, he also acted in several films. He appeared in television commercials, although he never owned a television.

Writing poetry and plays served as another creative outlet for Whalen. He also taught sculpture in Sierra Madre.

Where? 440 West Sierra Madre Boulevard; Sierra Madre, CA 91024
When? The Library is open Monday through Wednesday from 12 noon to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information: www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us or call the Library at (626) 355-7186