Andy Sacksteder

Andy Sacksteder is a self-taught sculptor, who began this career at the age of 52. He was blessed to meet a local sculptor, who encouraged him to give sculpting a try and gave him his first block of clay. He began by creating busts of famous people and showed an aptitude for capturing a person’s likeness. Woody Hayes, the iconic Ohio State football coach, was one of these practice heads and it evolved into a life size
statue, which he created in his kitchen.

The statue, entitled First and Ten, captured much local attention, and eventually sold to College Traditions, an Ohio State fan store in Columbus, Ohio. Woody is a campus favorite and is a top selfie spot.
 

In 2012, Andy entered Art Prize, which is billed as the world’s largest cash prize, and most-attended art competition in the world. That year, his statue Captain and the Kid placed in the top 100 in a field of over 1500 artists. He has since returned to Grand Rapids, Michigan for this competition, and has taken top prizes in 2013, 2015, and 2025. The exposure gained at Art Prize has led to many commissions and sales.
 

In 2024 Andy’s statue Tree Hugger won Best of Show and the Mayors Choice award in the Perrysburg, Ohio Sculpture Walk Exhibition. In 2025, his statue The Last Man Standing won the peoples choice award in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sculpture Walk.

Locally, installations of his sculptures can be seen in Friendship Park, at the Port Clinton Lighthouse, and at the Liberty Aviation museum. He also has installations across the country, in Texas, New York, South Dakota, and Michigan.
 

Andy was one of the first artists to work at TAG, and he is grateful for this place to display his work. He especially enjoys the camaraderie of fellow artists, and the opportunity to meet people interested in his art.