Bill Morrow, a name known in the Western Slope for his art and creativity, has spent over five decades crafting intricate metal sculptures that have graced the region from Aspen to Grand Junction. Now, his art will be showcased in a special event at the Rifle Branch Library on Sept. 15, where the community will have a chance to celebrate his enduring legacy.

The event, dubbed “Meet the Legend,” is part of the Art in the Stacks program and will run from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the library. Attendees will be able to view some of Morrow’s most notable works, while others will be displayed at a second location just a mile away. The second location will feature larger sculptures, many of which are over 14 feet tall, providing a unique opportunity for people to witness the scope and scale of Morrow’s work.

Morrow’s metal sculptures have long been a fixture in the valley and beyond, with his creations ranging from small, detailed pieces to large, architectural works that have been installed in public spaces using scrap metal.

“Mr. Morrow has been a part of the valley for more than 50 years,” said Nancey Glass, who is organizing the event. “He was one of the founding fathers of Art on the Corner, which brought public art to the streets of Grand Junction. His work is truly legendary, and this event will be a celebration of everything he’s accomplished.”

The sculptures on display at the Sept. 15 event are just a small portion of the nearly 100 pieces that are currently up for auction. The auction, which is live online now, features works from throughout Morrow’s career. The proceeds from the auction will benefit his grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy lives on through his family.

“Everything is on auction now,” Glass said. “The money goes directly to his grandchildren. Bill doesn’t get anything from this event—it’s all about leaving a legacy for his family and keeping his art in the community.”

The pieces on auction include Morrow’s iconic “Insane-A-Cycle,” which has been on display in Carbondale for nearly 10 years. Other notable works include “Split Second of Free Air,” which spent time in Carbondale as well. These sculptures, like much of Morrow’s work, are crafted from scrap metal and other discarded materials, transformed by his artistic vision into stunning, larger-than-life creations.

“His ability to take things that were thrown away and turn them into beautiful works of art is what sets him apart,” Glass said. “He’s an artist, an architect, and an engineer all in one. Every piece has meaning, and every piece has a history. That’s why it’s so important to keep his work here in the valley where it belongs.”

Morrow, a Vietnam veteran who served two tours, was born and raised in Rifle. His family home is now the Book Cliffs Council of Arts and Humanities, a project that Morrow himself helped fund and establish. Over the years, he became a fixture in the local art community, with his pieces displayed throughout the valley and the world.

“I’ve spent many great years doing this,” Morrow said. “It feels like a good time to let the chisels rest.”

However, the event isn’t just about reflecting on the past. Glass emphasized that the primary goal is to encourage the community to bid on Morrow’s sculptures and keep his art within the valley. The auction is a chance for locals to own a piece of history while supporting Morrow’s family at the same time.

“There are almost 100 pieces on the website, and people can bid now,” Glass said. “We’d love for them to come to the event, but if they can’t make it, they can still go to the website and place their bids. It’s so important to keep these pieces in the community.”

For Glass, the opportunity to work with Morrow and honor his contributions to the Roaring Fork Valley has been a deeply personal one. Having worked with him closely over the years, she knows how much this event means to him and his family.

“I’ve been working with Bill for a long time,” Glass said. “This event is a chance to honor everything he’s done for the community. His art has touched so many people, and I’m just grateful to be a part of helping to preserve his legacy.”To bid on one of Morrow’s sculptures or to learn more about the auction, visit williammorrowsculptures.com.

For those who can attend, the “Meet the Legend” event at the Rifle Branch Library is set for 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 15.