Chris Sorensen is an award-winning sculptor who works in metal, wood, clay and bronze. His style is both whimsical and flamboyant. His subjects have included a variety of exotic birds and fish, fanciful abstracts, a life-size elephant, giraffe and llama, an eight foot ostrich, and a 900 pound bulldog.

The west wall of his Van Ness Avenue studio, a converted warehouse which he calls "the playhouse," is festooned with ribbons, plaques, news articles and awards gaily proclaiming the artistic endeavors which have brought him continuous recognition from the art community for over a quarter of a century.

The Studio is a magnet for artists and art lovers alike. He invites art majors from local colleges to drop by and experiment with his extensive inventory of metal-shaping tools and equipment. His good- natured humor and supportive assistance encourages them to challenge their creativity in the medium of metal. Local art patrons use the studio for art functions and fundraisers.

Sorensen, the owner of WECO Supply Company in Fresno, began his sculpturing career 25 years ago when his son John, an art major at McClane High School, requested a welding set for an art project. "I sold all types of welding rigs and cutting supplies, but I had never used the equipment myself. I wanted to pick out something that John could use easily, so I started experimenting with the different set-ups," Sorensen recalls. "In the process I got bit by the art bug. Fell in love with the magic of the torches. I could see all sorts of possibilities in moving the pieces of metal around."

He has exhibited throughout the area including entries in the Fresno District Fair, winning ribbons every year and at San Francisco's Hall of Flowers Show, winning first place for two consecutive years. He has demonstrated and exhibited for the American Welding Society in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Los Angeles.

A native of Fresno who attended Fresno State and served in the U.S. Navy, his art affiliations include the Society of Western Artists and Yosemite Western Artists. He previously served as president of the Clovis Art Guild and served on the board of the Fresno Arts Center and Museum and the American Welding Society.

In treating his injuries for a bad fall in 1990, his physicians discovered a brain tumor. After a successful surgery, Sorensen turned the WECO business over to his son John. "I decided to spend the rest of my life playing," he says. "I am very grateful that so many talented professionals made themselves available and were willing to help me develop my art. I will always be a student, constantly learning new techniques and growing." He has studied under Bob Minschew, Rick Anderson, and David Botini.

In return, Sorensen has donated much of his own time and resources to support local art, demonstrating at various local high schools and colleges. He has also donated welding equipment and supplies for top art students participating in local competitions.

Sorensen, at the age of 82, can still be found down at his studio on Van Ness, "playing" and demonstrating to anyone who asks.

Chris Sorensen, former business man, is now a well respected contempory artist-sculptor. His studio gallery is located at 2223 S. Van Ness and Railroad Ave. in Fresno, Ca. Chis earned the title, “Man of Steel”, not only for his boundless energy but for his unique ability of providing on mans scrap as another man’s treasure. he sees life and beauty in every piece of scrap. Old can lids become intriguing mobiles, used oxygen tanks become life like figures and pieces of metal and wire are blended to create numerous birds and animals. Imagine a life size tiger, elephant or giraffe. Chris has already imagined and created them.. his ideas are endless. Not only is Chris generous with his time, talent and materials but he also displays the works of other artsits in his studio. he has worked tirelessly over the years promotinng art appreciation in the Fresno area and is a member of several art organizationns among which are

Alliance Of California Artists (ACA)
Fresno Art Council and Arthop
San Luis Obispo Art Center
San Joaquin Valley
Chapter of Society of Western Artists (AWA) International Sculpture Society, NJ

Chris has been featured on Valley Public Television
and has perticpated in the international Sculpture Conference, Philadelphia, PA. His works have been exhibited at:
San Francisco, Chicago, provdencce, RI, Houston, TX
Private Collectons
F fresno City Hall
University of California, Merced
National Welding Conference,
New orleans, Los Angeles
Timberline Art gallery, Oakhurst, Ca.
Fresno Agriculture Fair
Channel 18
Various Local Business

In Recongnitions:
1st place, SWA,
San Francisco University of California
Merced Fresno City Council - Proclaimed
July 21, “Chris Sorensen Day”
Young Mens Christian Accocation (YMCA)
Future Farmers of America (FFA) judges Choice Award People’s Choice Award
Best of Show Awards
Chris Sorensen is, without a doubt,
the HEART OF ART in Fresno.