TWISP — Sculptor Bernard Hosey, whose artworks stand at sites across North Central Washington and the world, died here Thursday of cardiac arrest, his family and friends confirmed Friday. Hosey was 64.

“He was a magnificent artist and beautiful person with a big heart,” said his wife Christiana Heinemann.

Known for his intricate metal spheres and monumental spires, Hosey used industrial welding equipment and plasma cutting torches to shape pieces that reviewers called “mysterious” and “complex.”

His hundreds of works, ranging from tabletop spheres to massive metal pieces weighing tons, were part of private, public and corporate collections in Twisp, Wenatchee, Seattle and throughout the U.S. and China. In 2008, he was a finalist as the official sculptor of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

The British Columbia-born artist was schooled in the U.S. and lived in Twisp for the last 22 years. He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2007.

Hosey’s fascination with metal spheres began a decade ago, with his first exhibit of seven orbs in 2003. Since then, he’s made over 100 of the spheres, one of which stands along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail in Wenatchee.

A potluck memorial service for Hosey will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 12) at his home north of Twisp.