metal_arts

Hill Country SUN

Texas Metal Arts Fest September 12-13
By Ernie Altgelt
For a ringing good time this September, Gruene is “steel” the place to be at the sixth annual Texas Metal Arts—A Festival at Gruene September 12- 13.
Over the course of the weekend, the normally laconic small town will resonate to a banging, clanging cadre of cutters, smiths, sculptors, jewelers, welders and riveters who, with skill and sweat, fire and hammer, transform iron, tin, gold, silver and steel into works wrought wondrous, wild and weird.
All this while simultaneously amazing their equally metallic-mad fans.
So, if you’ve got a lust for lead (and a little brass) come to Gruene and meet the artists, watch the action, learn a thing or two and do a little shopping to boot.
The yearly event (first celebrated in 2004) was initially conceived by a small, but dedicated, group of metalworkers wanting a venue where the public could come and experience all of the fascinating aspects of their art form—from inception to the finished product—in a comfortable and convenient setting.
A festival seemed the proper format, and Gruene (because of its central location and visitor-friendly attributes) the right place to hold it. When word spread to other like-minded practitioners wishing to participate, it wasn’t long before their dream became reality. Christened the Texas Metal Arts—A Festival at Gruene, its only rules dictated that metal be the dominant medium and the artists (all Texan) agree to do live demonstrations showcasing technique and skill.
“Beyond that,” according to Zeke Zewick, one of the festival’s founding members, “anything and everything else that was entertaining, interesting and pertinent to metal art was okay.”
That first festival proved a big hit with artisans and attendees and, five years (and five festivals) later, it’s still setting the “gold standard” of metal art shows.
This year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better than its predecessors. Once again themed as “Red Hot and Hammered,” 30 of the Lone Star State’s finest metal artists, all selected by jury to participate, will be on the grounds offering wares and demonstrating their talents to an anticipated 4,000 visitors.
Shoppers can expect an eye-popping assortment of items cut, hammered, riveted, soldered, welded, painted and polished—many embellished with precious stones.
Some of the larger works available include fantastic animals forged from found objects, bold abstract sculpture rendered in myriad shapes and textures, even fanciful (and functioning) fountains.
On a smaller scale, buyers will be tempted by piece after piece of exquisite jewelry expertly wrought in silver, brass, copper and other precious metals, many evoking ancient and futuristic themes. With so much variety and prices starting at an affordable $30, there’s something for all tastes.
After strolling among the artists and craftsmen’s booths, grooving to a little live music courtesy of the renowned E Flat Porch Band or stopping at one of Gruene’s restaurants for a bite and a beer, a visit to either of the festival’s two demonstration tents is mandatory.
Seating and view-assisting video screens are provided as each artist, with scheduled sessions on both days, awe and astound onlookers with high-energy presentations as they seemingly attack and coax, using heat and hammers, saws and solder, various metals into desired shapes and functions.
Whether using processes honed over centuries or new technologies recently developed, all agree these “performances” provide wonderful insights into the creative process.
Regarding the importance of these demonstrations, Zeke explains, “We always wanted this festival to go beyond a simple market where objects can be purchased. True value just can’t be appreciated without seeing the sweat, fire and enormous effort poured into each finished piece of art.”
FYI • The Sixth Annual Texas Metal Arts—A Festival at Gruene, located across the street from Gruene Hall, is open from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13. Admission and parking are free. For information call 903- 852-3311 or visit the web site at www.texasmetalarts.com.
Gruene is located on New Braunfels’ northern edge just off Interstate 35. Take Interstate 35 to Exit 191 (Canyon Lake, Farm Market 306), go west 1.5 miles, then turn left at the traffic light at Hunter road and travel one half mile to the town.

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