Sculptor
Joseph Winter, carving a new niche
edited by SHAWN HART
Award-winning Chestnut Hill sculptor, Sherl
Joseph Winter, has been appointed to the Citizens Commemorative
Coin Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C. The committee advises
the Secretary of the Treasury on theme and design proposals
relating to circulation coinage, congressional gold medals and
other medals produced by the United States Mint.
Winter, a sculptor/engraver at the United States Mint in Philadelphia
for 16 years, acted as chief engraver for part of that time.
While at the mint, he designed and executed many commemorative
medals including the Willa Cather gold medallion for the American
Arts program, the 1986 Statue of Liberty half dollar and the
1988 Olympic silver dollar. Since leaving that post, Winter
has worked on the design and execution of more than 300 medals
and numerous commissioned sculptures.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania
Academy of the Fine Arts, Winter has also taught at several
local institutions including Chestnut Hill College and Rider
College.
His many public commissions can be seen throughout the region.
These include the Family of Bears in Delancey Street Park and
the Baptistry Wall Sculpture at Our Mother of Consolation Church
in Chestnut Hill. In addition, Winter’s work embellishes
the Temple University Ambler campus and the Carson Valley School
in Flourtown. Other religious subjects rendered include Pope
John Paul ll’s and Cardinal Anthony Bevelaqua’s
Coats of Arms for the Doors of the Cathedral of Sts. Peter &
Paul, in downtown Philadelphia.
When asked to identify his favorite, Winter, without hesitation,
said, “I think the Family of Bears. While this was not
designed to be a ‘play sculpture,’ I just love seeing
the kids climb all over it.” And as his first public commission,
the piece is especially dear to him.
The commemorative medals designed by Winter celebrate objects,
events and individuals as wide-ranging as modern American life.
These include the 1980’s Olympic Boycott; the Bicentennials
of the U.S. Marine Corps and The American Revolution; the U.S.S.
Constellation; Lady Bird Johnson; and the 1986 Gold Bullion
coin.
Winter and his wife, Kathy, a painter, currently operate the
Winter Art Studio in Chestnut Hill.
