After Earning an MBA and a Career in Banking, Dick Alden Chucked it All and Became a Sculptor

Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

An undergraduate finance major at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Dick Alden did not anticipate that he would enjoy his ceramics class as much as he did. In contrast to work he did in his other classes, he found that the process of doing something “not exact” was very appealing. Putting his interest in art on hold, he went on to pursue a career with State Street Bank in Boston, while raising a family and studying for a master’s in business administration over many nights and weekends. Then, after taking a wood carving course in his mid-forties, Dick began creating stern boards for his friends’ sailboats. A museum exhibit based on the influential Black Mountain College in North Carolina started him down the path of stone sculpting. Learn more about Dick Alden’s artistic endeavors, lovingly undertaken with the support of his wife Priscilla and the stone sculpture community, on today’s episode of Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.

This artist is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. Click here to view their art.