In cooperation with Clarke County Development Corporation, local manufacturers will be working with Clarke Industrial Arts students to create works of art for the first annual Welding Art Sculpture Event.
Starting October 5, teams of 2-3 students will begin meeting with a welding mentor from one of Osceola’s manufacturers. Twice a week through October, the teams will design, plan, and create an original work of art from available scraps and materials made available to the students and their mentor. The final competition will be held on October 26, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
The pieces will be judged by the Arts Council and a local welding expert based on their creativity, craftsmanship and welding skill. The winning piece will be displayed at the business of the winning team’s mentor. All pieces created by the students and their mentors will be displayed at the annual Osceola Chamber Main Street / Clarke County Development Corporation Annual dinner held in January.
Mr. Lyden will be compiling scrap materials and providing size specifications from local businesses. The welding mentors supervising and guiding the teams will be comprised of one expert from each the following Industrial Partners:
• Altec
• Salford
• Paul Mueller Co.
• Iowa Steel
• Miller Products Co.
• Hormel
Finally, each original art piece will be mounted on an appropriate base provided by Salford, and the displayed along the Osceola trails system.
“The CCDC is excited to be able to sponsor the first of what we expect to be a long-standing competition for Clarke students,” said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. “The Industrial Arts program through Clarke Schools, partnering with local manufacturers, is proud to offer a unique opportunity for our students to learn a skilled trade while still in high school. The Welding Art Sculpture Event is another chance to show them the possibilities open to them.”