It seemed appropriate that if Blowing Rock, NC, sculptor Alex Hallmark was to ever win a drawing, it would be titled something similar to the January 2008 American Red Cross promotion, “Live Life, Give Life.” Hallmark, known for bringing life to his works of both the human form and animals, did win the drawing. His name was drawn from 26,931 entries in the promotion and as winner, he received a $500 Visa gift card.
Hallmark donated at Blowing Rock’s Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, one of the three blood drive sites sponsored by The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock in January. Thanking Hallmark for his support of the American Red Cross and presenting him the gift card was Lu Johnson, Senior Donor Recruitment Representative of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. The two met at the entrance to the Hayes Performing Arts Center where one of Hallmark’s commissioned sculptures, ‘Theater,’ is on permanent display.
The Carolinas Blood Services Region provides life-saving blood to patients in 103 hospitals in an 82 county area in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. About 1,600 people need to give blood and platelets each week day to meet hospital demand in this area.
Hallmark, who owns and operates Eye to the Heart Studio in Blowing Rock, has works across the United States and Europe. His sculptures range from tabletop to monumental. Working primarily in water-base clays, Hallmark molds, cast and finishes his pieces in bonded materials.
Married and the father of three, Hallmark was in the real estate business for nearly thirty years before changing career paths. Self-taught as an artist and sculptor, Hallmark, is now an Associate of the National Sculpture Society and is a member of Tri-State Sculptors. Across North Carolina, Hallmark has public works on display at numerous sites, including St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church and Davant Field in Blowing Rock and the Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk. Hallmark’s works range from a World War II Memorial to a life-size sculpture of the late NC Senator, Sam J. Ervin, Jr., both of which rest Morganton, NC.
Lu Johnson said it is donors like Alex Hallmark who make her efforts so meaningful. “We are so appreciative of all our donors in the Carolinas Blood Services Region,” Johnson said. “Donors like Alex Hallmark, who take just a little bit of their time to aid those in need, show that people truly care and want to help.”
Hallmark explained his support of the American Red Cross is rooted in his desire to help others.
“I enjoy giving something back to people, to society,” Hallmark said. “I support the American Red Cross because it is the right thing to do and because the organization and its volunteers do so much for so many.”