Owens hosts artistic welding student exhibition
Written by Kyle Cappelletty | | kcappelletty@toledofreepress.com“Steel,” a new exhibit at Owens Community College unveils the school’s well-kept secret of artistic welding, say school officials.
Owens Community College students are showcasing their artistic welding at the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery and the outside courtyard adjacent the Center for Fine and Performing Arts until Oct. 19.
Admission to the Walter E. Terhune Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Jim Havens has taught the artistic sculpture classes since 2000. With more than three decades of experience working with steel and iron, Havens wanted to share his knowledge with future generations.
“After working many years as an iron worker, I really only had one regret,” Havens said. “I remember working with numerous experienced iron workers who had their knowledge of the industry die with them. When Owens offered me this position, I jumped at the opportunity to share the skills and knowledge I acquired throughout my long career.”
Owens students and alumni displaying their artwork include Jim Van Brandt of Ottawa Lake, Mich., Pamela Reithmeier of Monclova, Todd Kime of Toledo, Toni Lucadello of Fostoria, Robert Krohn of Perrysburg, Beth Scheffert of Toledo, Robert Garcia of Toledo, Marie Brown of Napoleon, Jody Smith of Grand Rapids, Joanne Juan of Perrysburg, Mia Thomas of Toledo and Donald Cole of Napoleon.
“I have had the privilege of teaching some very creative and talented students,” Havens said. “Todd Kime created a human skeleton primarily out of automotive components. The skeleton is standing on top of a steel box that he fabricated and is more than six feet tall. It’s a very interesting piece and I expect attendees will be amazed at how steel can be transformed into a masterful work of art through various welding techniques.”
The exhibition features more than 40 pieces of metal artwork. The classes offered on artistic welding focus on the creative and practical aspects of the welding processes.
Jim Gilmore is the chairman of diesel and welding technologies and has been on the staff at Owens for more than 15 years.
“The artistic welding course that Owens offers is a great opportunity for students,” Gilmore said. “You have to keep in mind that whether you’re learning the process of welding or the creative aspect of the artistic side, it’s still a learning exercise, and it is the same idea we are trying to teach our students to help them find a job. Welding is a highly transferable skill in the market place that provides a lot of job opportunities, both in Ohio and nationally.”
“Owens Community College has a state-of-the-art welding facility and this course helps to demonstrate the college’s innovative approach to the trade,” Gilmore said. “The class allows students to be creative with their work and gives them an opportunity to learn welding in a completely different medium than many are used to.”
The classes are offered on Sundays from 12:30-4:20 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m. Due to growing class sizes, the college is expecting to add a Saturday class next semester to accommodate more students that are interested in the program.
For additional information about the exhibit, contact the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2721.
