Beechwood Metalworks

Cook Children's Hospital, NICU Rooftop Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:15:00 +0000

After a week on a rooftop in Fort Worth, TX, Casey brought back some photos of his adventure. This was a very cool install designed by Dunaway Associates and contracted by Linbeck Group LLC. The whole rooftop was covered in synthetic grass that was visually pleasing yet still allowed drainage. A small stream was constructed by using crushed blue glass and river rock. These elements set the stage for our sculptures, over 80 pieces, to give the illusion of a meadow pond teaming with life! Since the sculptures were placed on a rubber membrane roof, base plates were made to hold each piece in place without puncturing the delicate surface. The bases were hidden under the grass and glass. We are thrilled with the results and hope the patients and staff that have this view from their window will be refreshing.

The Journey of a Frog

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Two frogs, Bouncy and Boingy, played a spirited game of leap frog through the shop this week. We were under a tight deadline to get these guys in a crate to Texas, so we had to move fast. Here's how they got from point A to point B.
A frog sculpture starts its journey as a flat layout with paper templates and some CAD drawings cut out on the water jet. The flat sheet steel blanks are then shaped by hand with various dies in the power hammers. Next, the pieces are fit together, trimmed, and TIG welded. The welds are finished with the grinder and then the piece is off to paint. In the paint department, we use automotive urethane epoxy primer, color coat, and clear to protect the sculpture from the weather. Voila! A frog is born.

We Made the Cover of Cone Health Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:38:00 +0000

One of the many hospital art projects moving through the shop now is our "Revolution" installation for Cone Health's new Cancer Center in Greensboro, NC. This rooftop garden will be filled with a field of metal flowers and butterflies. A central armature will hold over 1200 Monarch Butterflies that will spiral upward by a motorized base. Our goal is to create a relaxing natural view for visitors and usher in a sense of calm and well being. Check out the article (pages 12-13) to see more!

Metal Sculpture Everywhere and Not a Place to Sit!

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:23:00 +0000

Metal flowers on the showroom floor, and two offices. Metal mushrooms, ladybugs, and a 5ft steel inchworm are holding a meeting in the conference room. Various frog sculptures are taking shape out in the shop and a sea of cattails are going green. We are busting at the seams in preparation for our next installation for Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. So if you come to visit, watch your feet and guard your chair!

New Colors for the Monarch

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:37:00 +0000

Pediatrics For You is about to open their new location in Kennewick, Washington. They came to us wanting bright whimsical sculptures to greet their patients at the entrance to their building. Along with two four foot Gerber daisies, and a curious three foot inchworm, we created an updated version of our three foot butterfly. We redesigned the wings to make them stronger and stenciled on the pattern for a realistic look. It's hard to believe that almost everything on this sculpture started as flat sheet metal! We hope that these pieces will become landmarks that drive business to our clients and become warm greeters for the patients.

Shipping today

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:22:00 +0000

Hitching a ride on the next truck to Chesapeake Virginia will be a set of metal cattails with two little ladybugs milling about and a fat Monarch Caterpillar perched atop an orange mushroom. These pieces will be displayed by the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission in their new butterfly garden downtown. We hope these custom painted sculptures will attract both butterflies and visitors!

In Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:24:00 +0000

The metal flowers for our next hospital installation are now blooming all over the shop. Over 3,000 steel day lilies are receiving bright coats of candy apple red, orange pearl, and hot pink over lemon yellow petals. These flower heads will then screw onto various stem bases creating a field of wild flowers on the roof top of the hospital. Up next are the daisies...

Flutter by butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Design, draw, cut, debur, bend, prime, paint black, stencil orange, dot white, first clear coat, and final clear coat. Repeat. This series of steps mark the beginning of our latest installation- a rooftop garden for a new cancer hospital. As we work through the pieces needed to bring the design together, I will post our progress. This week we finish the first batch of life sized Monarch Butterflies. Over 2,000 metal butterflies will fly through the shop on their way to their new home in Greensboro, NC. Next up, around 3,000 day lilies and asters- all hand painted- will begin blooming in the paint room.

What's That Supposed To Be?

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:40:00 +0000

The sculptures in our shop are whimsical, bright, and well, literal. A frog is a frog, a pumpkin is a pumpkin (albeit on a larger scale- but you know what it is that you are looking at). So when we were approached to make an abstract piece we jumped at the opportunity. Back in the day when Casey and I started our sculptural journey in college, Casey started a series of pieces based on the human form. He made a few wax figures, some larger steel pieces, and a wood carving.
So when this new request came to us, Casey pulled out the wax and began to sculpt. The customer had given the basic idea of a tree. Casey added human forms, almost like two people embracing, to that idea.The piece began to evolve and looked remarkably like the works from his earlier college series. He knew he still had unfinished business with this work and decided to complete the idea now that he had the tools and skill he hadn't had access to those many years ago.
This week the sculpture begins it's journey through the shop. From the 3 inch tall wax model, Casey used our 3-D scanner to import the model into our CAD software. He then designed the buck or skeleton to scale (about 8ft tall). Once the skeleton is complete, it will receive an aluminum skin.
This request shows our strength as a truely custom metal shop. We encourage customers to look to us when they can't find exactly what they need because we will make it happen.

Rufous Hummingbird flies to Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Some of our favorite sculptural characters have put on a new skin! Our ruby throated hummingbird was customized to favor the Rufous variety, native to Washington State. Already installed in this location is a Northern Chorus Frog, also a local species. These little touches make each installation reflect the environment in which its placed.

A customer favorite, the whimsical sculpture of an inchworm, also got a new look. This cheerful fellow stands about 4 feet tall, just eye level with a child. His shorter companion, seems surprised by how tall children can be!

These pieces will be ready for viewing this spring at Discovery Playground at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Memorial Sculptures

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Our mission at Beechwood Metalworks has always been to make art for everyone to enjoy, young and old alike. We want fun pieces plus bright colors to result in a smile. Many of our sculptures are purchased by children's hospitals and parks with money donated to the project. Often times these donations are in memory of a loved one that has passed away. This is the case for many of the pieces we are making for Opportunities Inc. in Texarkana, TX. This company serves children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as the elderly. They are constructing a wellness trail, which will contain several memorial sculptures, with the hope that the pieces will bring joy to those that visit the space. For the families, it is a way to create a new and happy memory.

Our Baby Elephant Has Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:14:00 +0000

This new addition to our sculptural line up caused serious birth pains. Over 370 hours of labor to be exact. "Peanut Butter" was first conceived in Casey's head while in college at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1997. Fast forward 13 years later, after learning the skills he would need to take on such a complex project and inlisting the welding talent of our foreman Mike Richardson, his dream is now a reality. "Peanut Butter" made her debut at the Willow Walk sculpture show in Burlington, NC this June and was purchased by the Alamance Arts Council and a private donor. She will now reside at the future Children's Museum of Alamance County in Graham, NC. The museum is set to open in 2011 and will feature more of our work in the sculpture garden.

Planters Planted safely in Reno.

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:07:00 +0000

Just before the holidays we finished a colorful job for Renown Health in Reno, NV. The client had requested life-sized flower arrangements to place in 16 large concrete planters around the entrance to their facility. The planters would act as barriers to keep cars from driving up to the building and keep pedestrians safe. Each arrangement was unique in the varieties of flowers and color combinations.

Sign, Seal, and a Delivery

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:14:00 +0000

We were commisioned by a wonderful local sign company, Syntech Inc.,to fabricate 2 signs for a retirement community in Burlington NC. The first, are two entry signs that flanked the entrance.

Discovery Playground at Mirabeau Park

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

We had the pleasure of working with Ginno Construction and Design Concepts community and landscape architects on several sculptures for their latest destination playground in Spokane Valley, Washington. In addition to our giant pumpkin (see previous post), we designed a 6 foot tall cypress Adirondack chair, 3 varieties of our 4 foot tall steel flowers, a steel northern chorus frog, and a 4 foot tall dragonfly and cattail combination. These pieces were placed in the Secret Garden, an area surrounded by tall shrubs and accessed by a small archway in the greenery. The park also features a fossil dig, music area, water play, sensory garden, and is accessible to children of all abilities. We feel honored to be among the other artists and designers who make such a magical place a reality.

The Great Pumpkin- a new installation

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Our newest sculpture is one of great size and just in time for the fall season. We were commisioned to make a series of sculptures for a fabulously fun new park in Spokane Valley, Washington (more on this in my next post!). The 7ft tall aluminum pumpkin comes already "carved" with a hollow interior playspace. Solidly constructed and handpainted with durable UV protective paint, this piece is ready for visitors!

New custom stairs for the true Duke Fan

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

In August we created a custom set of stairs with a central backbone for the treads to rest. The customer wanted stairs that were architectural in design but industrial in function. Casey came up with the "floating stringers" that are supported by only two 4"x4" steel columns. The visual effect makes these sturdy stairs seem to defy gravity. The effect will be emphasized when the sheet rock is placed over the metal studs in the background. The customer also wanted a way to load furniture onto the upper landing without having to go over the railing. We created a removable section of the railing that swings up and out of the way by simply removing a few bolts. This makes for a wide loading dock on the second floor. For the finishing touch, the color of the stairs exactly match that of the client's favorite team- Duke Blue.

Spring projects

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:17:00 +0000

With the arrival of spring, more colorful and whimsical projects begin to flow through our doors. I have been busy making a new batch of Ladybugs for garden decoration in festivive colors. These are not yet available online, but can be purchased by phone or in our shop (small 4" ladybugs are $20, 6" bugs are $25, and 8" ladybugs are $35). Each are available in a variety of spring colors and the traditional red. These are a more affordable alternative to our larger ladybug sculptures.

Another project that is consuming a large portion of our shop floor is a sailboat sculpture for a local Elementary school. Right now it is just primed, but will soon be painted royal blue with a white sail adorned with the school's initials.

Our shop addition is nearly finished! We now have the new room closed in and electricity is being run to all the new work stations. We are excited to spread out and have more floor space for equipment and projects.

Remember, Mother's Day is fast approaching! We have many items in stock for $100 and under. Stop in or call, we would love to hear from you.

3222 N. NC-Hwy 49

Burlington, NC 27217

336-578-2332

M-F 8am to 5pm EST

UNC Hospital Skybridge- Roof top garden

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:48:00 +0000

This last week we installed the first phase of the UNC Hospital Skybridge Roof Top Garden in Chapel Hill, NC. This is located at the back of the hospital, outside the skybridge that connects Women's and Neuroscience hospitals. As the year progresses, we will add many flowers, ants, hummingbirds, mushrooms, and other critters -over 35 pieces in all! This scene is designed to camoflauge the air conditioning units that are prominant on the black rubber roof, and provide an uplifting view for patients, visitors, and staff.

Press

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Every now and then, we are humbled to receive some press about the work that we do here in the shop. This week, we were approached by Todd Drake, a fellow UNCG alum, and he wrote a nice piece about our hospital projects on his blog: Make Art Like You Care. Thanks Todd!

Reno over and out

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:15:00 +0000

We are crating up the concrete planter with the metal flowers and shipping it off to our client in Reno. We are pleased with the result and hope they are too!
The stainless steel tree arbor is coming along- we are now making the small branches that will carry the copper roof. Harrison has taken over the TIG welding from Mike and is stuck with the tedious task of making hundreds of limbs.

Mike is working on an "O" so big project out of aluminum.

Of course, Casey had to test it out...

We have the best jobs ever.

Flowers and trees

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Over the past week, we have been steadily working on two major projects and many smaller jobs have come in and out, filling the spaces in between. I've been painting the steel flowers for our Reno, NV client and have only a few more details left until it all gets put together.

We made a few copper suns to have on hand with two 24" pieces already going to new homes.

The other big project- that is currently taking up most of our floor space- is the stainless steel tree arbor for Kiefer Landscaping in Durham, NC. Four metal trees will be holding up the roof and their bases will be on a stone wall. Last week the tree trunks and limbs were in fabrication stage and this week they are being welded into their basic formations.

In other news, ground broke today on our shop addition, which will give us more room to work and more space for equipment. Pictures to come!

Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Here are few shots of the shop and the last bit of a winter dusting.

The sculptures in the front yard are going to UNC Children's hospital for another roof top sculpture garden.

Today at the shop.

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:37:00 +0000

We have lots of projects taking shape in the shop this week. My new goal with this blog, is to show work in progress on a weekly basis and some of the tools we use to make it all come together.

These pieces are part of a sample sculpture for a hospital in Reno, Nevada. I'm hand painting these life size steel flowers and then placing them all in a huge concrete planter. The planter will be placed out side the building as a barrier to keep cars from driving in to pedestrian areas. If they like the final sculpture, we will be making several more (and I'll tell you where you can see them in person!).

Another project on the table is a pergola for Kiefer Landscaping in Durham, NC. Here, Mike is using our Miller TIG to put together some stainless steel tree branches. These will be the supports for the roof.
We always have copper wall hangings on order from our online store. The 24" copper sun seems to be the most popular size these days, where as last year it was always the 36". This sun is heading off to Dallas, TX and Darren is going to make sure it is perfect. He is polishing out the work marks with a Blue Point 90 degree pneumatic sander. Careful steps are taken after this point to not get any finger prints on the copper, which will cause it to tarnish.

Harrison is busy running the Calypso Water Jet for one of our industrial customers. This machine can cut almost anything we put under it with WATER! Not just metal either- stone, glass, rubber, and plastic as well. This customer needed over 100 precise parts cut from a woven stainless steel mesh material.

Check back to see how these project progress and new ones we add to the list!

Frogs are Done!!

noreply@blogger.com (Beechwood Metalworks) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:13:00 +0000

We finally finished the Poison Dart Frog Sculpture for our very patient customer in Utah and it looks great! We have two other frogs made as well- one for our next installation at UNC Children's Hospital 2nd Floor Roof Sculpture Garden and one to climb up the outside of our shop! Above are pictures of the first frog pre and post paint. Enjoy!