Michael Ricker Pewter Collectors Suffer Loss - By Mary C. Clark

Michael Ricker, sculptor and founder of Michael Ricker Pewter, Inc. died January 7, 2006 as a result of complications from a ruptured brain aneurysm. He will be missed by collectors the world over.  Perhaps you remember Michael and the numerous Ricker Pewter stores found in shopping centers all over the United States in the 1980’s. I’ll never forget seeing that pewter Carousel in the window!

Michael’s greatest work may have been Park City which was unveiled August 16, 1985 at a special Presentation Banquet in Denver, where Ricker presented his unique masterpiece in pewter to former President and Mrs. Gerald Ford.  The entire Park City sculpture, Park City, has many different segments. Each year from 1976 through 1985 a new scene was added. The eight segments are: Turn of the Century Park, Large Carousel, Town Hall Scene, Circus Parade, Train Depot Scene, Church and Schoolhouse Scene, Riverboat Scene, Firehouse Scene, and Main Street. All pieces were retired by 1992.

Children on see-saws, boys in short pants playing with hoops, pop-corn wagons, children fishing, little boys with slingshots, park benches, beautiful trees, cigar store Indians, dogs, streetlights, artists, clowns with balloons – all of these can be found in Michael’s Park City.  But Michael didn't stop with the Park City sculpture. He produced many other series, such as his limited edition Christmas series, his New Orleans Jazz Band, Sports Figures, Children's band, Desert Storm Collection, numerous animals, Salvation Army series, and more.

All will be in scarce supply, as his surviving fans and collectors continue to search for as many of these fabulous sculptures as possible.