Fenton Art Walk Artist Closed Hot Rod Shop to Pursue 3D Metal Sculpture Art Career

The is just around the corner.

On July 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., merchants and artists will participate in the second-year event, and officials are hoping hundreds of residents will join the fun in downtown Fenton.

Visitors will be able to come to a booth in downtown Fenton (just outside ) and receive a map, which will include instructions along with artist and merchant information. People then can visit participating businesses to observe the art, meet the artists and explore what each store has to offer.

To get you ready for the event, we will feature several artists in our Faces of the Fenton Art Walk series in the days leading up to the extravaganza.

Name: Gilbert McCann

Residence: Flint 

Type of art: 3D Metal Sculptures

How did you get started as an artist?: I was the owner of a bike and hot rod shop in Prescott Valley, AZ. To improve my welding skills I decided to take a class at the local college. I signed up for Art Welding and found I had a talent for creating pieces that many admired.  That was when I decided that sculpting was to be my second career. I closed the shop and moved forward. I’ve never been happier. 

Describe your art: My art is designed to bring joy to people. It is difficult to describe because each piece is so different - from a seven foot tall metal fantasy flower, a 6-foot rebar skeleton titled “Flower Child”, to smaller pieces for the home and garden.

What is your next project?: My next piece is an entry into the Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2012.  I will be entering my flower called “Full Bloom.”  You should plan to make a trip to this competition in September. It is incredible! I will be showing my piece at Select Bank, 60 Monroe Center. Stop by and say hello.  The competition runs from September 19 through October 8. 

Where can your art be found?: One of my sculptures is permanently on display in Yuma, AZ.  I was fortunate enough to have one of my pieces, called “Spike,” acquired and installed by the Yuma Art Council.  In April I flew out to Yuma for a dedication ceremony.  It is on a pedestal on Main Street in the downtown area.  If you are interested, you can view pictures of “Spike,” “Full Bloom” and other pieces of my art at my website www.gilbertmccann.com.