Sculpture | Zahner

Seven Sentinels

Seven Sentinels artwork in Kansas City

Seven Sentinels is a kinetic artwork and permanent public installation by Matt Dehaemers. Zahner provided engineering, art fabrication, installation for the public artwork, located in Kansas City, Missouri.

The installation consists of seven equidistant, elongated and oversized parking gates. These were manufactured several times the height of a standard parking gate. Each of the seven pieces were engineered to individually automatically open as a kinetic sculpture. As visitors exit the facility, each parking gate rises to salute drivers leaving the New Municipal Vehicle Impound Tow Lot Facility.

Looping animation of the Nerman Museum kinetic light display by artist Leo Villareal.

The moving lights at the Nerman Museum

Learn more about the artwork Microcosm at the Nerman Museum in Overland Park, Kansas.

Seven Sentinels kinetic sculpture made in galvanized steel. Each of the parking gate sculptures salute exiting drivers.

Detail of the kinetic sculpture Seven Sentinels, a public artwork by Matthew Dehaemers.

Seven Sentinels kinetic sculpture. Each of the parking gate sculptures salute exiting drivers.

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Catalyst Sculpture

Zahner engineers and artisans worked closely with Dehaemers to engineer, fabricate, and install the artwork. As a kinetic sculpture, the design included moving parts which were modeled digitally by Zahner engineers and the in-house design team. Zahner crafted the sculpture from galvanized steel, laser-etched stainless steel, and aluminum.

The parking gates were each crafted from powder-coated aluminum and galvanized steel. The sculptures react to incoming traffic, lifting their gates as cars pass underneath. The kinetic movement is a reference to soldiers performing a sword ceremony, and as such shows respect to vehicles exiting the lot. Seven Sentinels was completed in 2008. It is the first public artwork collaboration between Dehaemers and Zahner. Dehaemers’ second collaboration with Zahner, Catalyst, was completed in 2010 and stands at the intersection of 31st Street and Troost in Kansas City.

Each gate tower is 16 feet tall and the each gate is 12 feet long. The towers are placed 30 feet apart for a total of 180 feet from end to end. The artwork is made in galvanized steel, with powder-coated aluminum gate bars, parking control mechanisms, concrete, and a surface-mounted loop detector to trigger the artwork’s kinetic movement.

Aerial photograph of the kinetic sculpture entitled Seven Sentinels, a public artwork by Matthew Dehaemers.

Restoration: “That Profile”

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Museum, Public Art, Renovation, Restoration, Sculpture Los Angeles--California Martin Puryear L 1999 /by cmorris

Note: Contemporary metal materials are known for their inherent immutability. While a number of metals can withstand many decades, it is important to consider how these materials are fabricated and installed, such that environmental concerns, galvanic corrosion, alloy selection, and other factors are properly considered and understood.

The long-term preservation of metal art and architecture is at the forefront of the research by CEO L. William Zahner. Through his role as chairman at Metalabs and his ongoing research and publications, Mr. Zahner hopes to promote the resilience of both immutable and transformative metals throughout the disciplines of art, sculpture, and architecture.

Restoring Art: That Profile, by Martin Puryear

That Profile is a forty-five foot sculpture by American artist Martin Puryear. The artwork rises into the air above the Tram Arrival Plaza at The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California. Installed in 1999, the stainless steel and bronze sculpture began showing signs of deterioration after a short time, which led administrators at The Getty to seek an expert in metal restoration.

The Getty contacted L. William Zahner, an expert in the field of metal sciences, to run tests on That Profile and determine how to restore and protect it for the future. His analysis revealed that the stainless steel “nodes” or joints which connect the linear aspects of the sculpture had weakened in the California weather. Mr. Zahner developed a two-stage cleaning process with a chemical wash and electropolishing process to revive the original stainless steel finish and add strength to the nodes.

MARTIN PURYEAR, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA; GETTY MUSEUM OF ART STAINLESS STEEL, BRONZE; 45′ X 30′ X 12′ 1999.

That Profile by Martin Puryear. Stainless steel and bronze sculpture.

Trinity Sculpture

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture, Interior Architecture Sculpture Shawnee Mission--Kansas Dierk Van Keppel Blue, Silver M 2009 /by cmorris

Interior Sculpture for Shawnee Mission Medical Center

A massive interior sculpture adorns the new atrium for Shawnee Mission Medical Center in greater Kansas City, Missouri. Zahner fabricated and installed the large-scale mobile, a metal and glass artwork conceived by Dierk Van Keppel.

The glass fixtures were cast and blown by Rock Cottage Glass, the art-glass studio of Dierk Van Keppel. Entitled Trinity Sculpture, the project was commissioned by the Shawnee Mission Medical Center. The aluminum and stainless steel by Zahner was manufactured by Zahner to encase the inset glass pieces by Keppel.

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H&R Block Installation

Zahner worked in both an art fabricator capacity, as well as a collaborator to Dierk Van Keppel. Keppel used glass blowing and fusing to create a number of fused glass pieces in flat form.

reBarn

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture, Landscape Architecture Public Art, Sculpture Muncie--Indiana Ball State University, Project One Kevin Klinger S 2009 /by cmorris

reBarn by Project One

reBarn is a multi-use sculptural form designed by Project One with the students and faculty at Ball State. Permanently installed at Westside Park in Muncie, Indiana, the installation was made using reclaimed donated barn wood and Zahner-manufactured aluminum panels and hardware. The City of Muncie commissioned the artwork in partnership with Professor Kevin Klinger’s design studio at Ball State University and the Institute for Digital Fabrication.

As part of the designer’s intent, Zahner developed a series of etched patterns into the aluminum plate. In all, five water-jet aluminum plates were cut for the outer shell and over 350 aluminum joints were cut which align the sculptures form underneath the surface.

The reBarn project is installed at Westside Park as part of the public recreation trail running along the White River.

reBarn a collaborative project by Project One / Institute of Digital Fabrication / Ball State University.

Detail of the etched aluminum patterning on reBarn sculpture.

Related System

Etched & Engraved

Etched and engraved metal processes provide a canvas of possibility for expression on plate and panel surfaces. Learn more about laser engraving and CNC engraving, as well as how laser etched and chemical etched metal systems are possible with Zahner fabrication and engineering.

Project One visited A. Zahner Company’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss the materials, tolerances, and processes that would be advanced in the project. Zahner assisted in the design of the connections between the wood and metal elements in reBarn.

The hardware made by Zahner controlled the form’s shape during the onsite construction and ensured a nearly seamless connection between wood and aluminum. Zahner’s unique ability to construct complex metal geometries and conceal a structure’s fabrication techniques from viewers helped Project One realize its design concept.

Tony Birchler at Zahner discusses digital fabrication with the design team.

The design team meets at Zahner in Kansas City to develop the concept.

reBarn provides a climbable multi-use sculptural form with seating and a sense of place.

Custom aluminum connections are fastened to concrete footings.

The wood and metal sculpture provides a solemn and yet playful experience.

In addition to providing a unique form, the design also was referential to its surrounding context. The design of reBarn references topographical of the adjacent river levees. Its playful form encourages a sense of place and identity for the visitors to the park.

Ball State Artworks

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Sculpture Muncie--Indiana Kevin Klinger Brown, Orange M 2006 /by cmorris

Ball State University Student Artworks

Ball State University students created a series of custom artworks which were each manufactured by Zahner in Kansas City. Professor Kevin Klinger’s immersive design studio at Ball State University in Indiana gives students first-hand experience in translating digital designs into permanent installations. The students worked directly with A. Zahner Company, learning about the collaborative process used by architecture firms working with custom manufacturers.

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reBarn

As part of the designer's intent, Zahner developed a series of etched patterns into the aluminum plate. In all, five water-jet aluminum plates were cut for the outer shell and over 350 aluminum joints were cut which align the sculptures form underneath the surface.

The students used generative processes to design perforation and folding patterns, which were applied to a sculptural ribbons of weathering steel and stainless steel. The sculptures were installed in two locations: one at the Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie, Indiana; and the other at the Indianapolis Art Center campus. In addition to these two projects, which are pictured below, a third project was completed with the students at Ball State: the reBarn project made in wood and aluminum.

Ball State artwork at the Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie, Indiana.

Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie, Indiana

Design students were able to observe the weathering steel patina develop into the protective layer of oxidation, preventing the steel from further corrosion. The second installation, at the Indianapolis Art Center, used black interference stainless steel in addition to the weather steel forms:

Diagram of the installation at Indianapolis Art Center.

Installation at the Indianapolis Art Center.

Cincinnati Tower

December 30, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Education, Monument, Sculpture Cincinnati--Ohio Machado & Silvetti Silver M 1997 /by cmorris

The Ronald F. Walker Tower at the University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati features an iconic tower designed by Machado Silvetti with Zahner-manufactured stainless steel. The monument acknowledges the contributions of the Sigma Sigma Fraternity. Machado Silvetti’s design provides an apex which represents both the University and the Sigma Sigma fraternity.

The tower has a number of symbolic aspects in its design. Its square base forms the letters U and C on alternating sides. Above these letters, the main wooden shafts rise in the form of hammers. These motifs reflect the fraternity’s motto, “The torch burns; the hammers ring.” At the top, a beam of light shines through a stylized stainless steel torch and changes colors through the use of a computer program.

Zahner was involved in various metal components, and the stainless steel perforated “flame” at the sculpture’s top. The fifty foot high permanent artwork was commissioned by The University of Cincinnati in 1998.

The tower establishes a formal entrance to the new Commons from University Avenue. As a placemark on the school’s campus, it marks a memorable place for the university community. To this end, employing a design technique of totemic origins, the design stacks varied elements that legibly symbolize the university and the fraternity. Firmly set on its cast in situ concrete base, the tower forms the university’s monogram, representing the institution’s foundational role.

Above, a shaft of dark wood, polished metal, and precast concrete convey the fraternity’s symbols, the hammer and the Greek letters — or labor and the culture of Occident. On top, a lantern of perforated stainless steel construction stands for enlightenment and knowledge, the ultimate goal of the school and its people.

Artists model of the Sigma Tower Sculpture

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Bowdoin Museum of Art

The new building entrance resembles a glass box on three sides, with the remaining portion clad in a Zahner fabricated naval brass with a custom bronze patina. The patinated metal panels continue from the exterior to the interior angled soffit, completing a dramatic entry for the museum’s 19th Century collection.

While the legibility of these symbols by those who belong to this community is important, the arcane opacity the tower produces in those who do not know or belong is equally important to us. The tower produces an effect in those who witness it — an enigmatic, strange, and perhaps even seductive effect. The shear result of form and materials and light longing to attain beauty is equally memorable.

Sport Stacks

December 16, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Kinetic Art, Public Art, Sculpture Cleveland--Ohio R.M. Fisher Silver L 1994 /by cmorris

Sport Stacks: Sculptures at Tower Park

Galvanized steel and stainless steel intertwines in this kinetic artwork made for artist Ron M. Fischer. The project was completed in 1994, and is located in Cleveland, Ohio at the Progressive Field Ballpark for the Cleveland Guardians.

The artworks are located on a pedestrian thoroughfare between the ballpark and the arena running along Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland.

Stainless steel clads the base and crowns the top of the Sport Stacks artwork. Lights are embedded into the tower structure, showing blue and gold which outline the tower’s shape. Polygonal in section, each tower has a large tapered base. The bases enclose utilities, vents, and an emergency staircase which emerges from an underground service area.

The towers contain blue and gold lights which enhance the form. The north tower is topped with a ubiquitous roof vent, which spins in the wind. On the south tower, a stationary crown tops the structure. Learn more about Zahner art fabrication for artists and collectors.

Stainless steel crown at the Sport Stacks artwork by R.M. Fischer

Detail of the stainless steel base by R.M. Fischer

Spinning roof turbine vent tops the Sport Stacks artwork by R.M. Fischer

1 3 5 7 9 11

December 14, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Public Art, Sculpture Kansas City Sol LeWitt White M 1994 /by cmorris

Sol Lewitt sculpture, 1 3 5 7 9 11

The Sol LeWitt sculpture 1 3 5 7 9 11 is a commission by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which was engineered and manufactured by Zahner in Kansas City. The artwork is a painted aluminum form which measures 16′ x 8′ x 8′ and was fabricated in 1996. The artist conceived of the work in 1994.

Zahner engineered and fabricated an interlocking system where each corner connects seamlessly. Instead of requiring a weld at the joint’s seam, the pieces are connected with an interior locking mechanism.

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One Sun / 34 Moons

In addition to the architectural features, a large scale site-specific artwork by Walter de Maria was commissioned by the Museum. Zahner was brought on as fabricator for the installation by the famed land artist. The work, entitled One Sun / 34 Moons, is made up of thirty-four 'Moons' which are realized as illuminated glass fixtures scattered throughout the installation.

1 3 5 7 9 11 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri.

Process photo during the art fabrication at Zahner in Kansas City.

1 3 5 7 9 11 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Detail of the aluminum joint prior to painting during the art fabrication process.

Above, a detail of the seamless engineered connection, a result of careful engineering and high-quality craftsmanship. This is the last sculpture of its kind fabricated during the artist’s lifetime.

Celestial Flyways

December 14, 2016/in Art & Sculpture, Landscape Architecture Kinetic Art, Public Art, Sculpture Kansas City Davison Architecture + Urban Design Laura DeAngelis Black, Blue, Indigo S 2008 /by cmorris

Star Disk and Celestial Flyways at Oppenstein Park

Celestial Flyways is a permanent interactive and kinetic artwork made through collaboration with Zahner art fabrication team. The public space includes a central piece by Laura DeAngelis entitled Star Disk, as well as a number of embedded stainless steel artworks inlayed in the concrete pavers. The artwork coincided with a complete redesign and rebuilding of Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park at 12th and Walnut in downtown Kansas City. The park was dedicated April 18, 2008 and named Celestial Flyways to celebrate the natural environment of the Kansas City area.

The artwork was developed by artist Laura DeAngelis in collaboration with Peregrine Honig with the leadership of Davison Architecture + Urban Design. The piece was commissioned by the Art in the Loop Foundation, a metropolitan organization of business and civic leaders with a continuing mission to enhance central Kansas City with public art.

Star Disk has a number of built-in features which align with the stars and sky. The stars are revealed through holes in the disks filled by acrylic lenses which are lit from below. Drawings of the mythological characters associated with the constellations are etched on to the surface of the disk. Park visitors rotate the star disk to a date and time with a motor operated by buttons on the base.

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“I wanted to shift people’s perceptions and encourage a different kind of awareness of the space, reconnecting the park to the sky directly overhead and the continuous rhythms of the natural world, which are so easy to lose sight of in the middle of the city.

Laura deAngelisArtist.at

According to Astrolabe.org, the anaphoric Star Disk in the park is very likely the largest and most accurate astronomical machine of this type ever made. The ten foot diameter disk contains the positions of 457 stars in 50 constellations.

In addition to the Star Disk, a number of inlayed birds are scattered throughout the landscape of the Celestial Flyways park, pictured below. These were CNC-cut and etched by Zahner with artist renderings of birds.

This project was a cooperative venture between the city of Kansas City and Jackson Country Parks and Recreation. It required two years of work, the talents of at least 150 people at a cost of nearly $500,000, much of which was donated.

More information can be learned about the process, history, and installation of Celestial Flyways at the Astrolabes.org website.

Hope For Life

December 14, 2016/in Art & Sculpture Public Art, Sculpture Kansas City Larry Young L 2000 /by cmorris

Hope For Life Sculpture at the Stowers Institute

Hope for Life is a permanent artwork at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, made by artist Larry Young using Zahner art fabrication. The artwork was completed through close collaboration with A. Zahner Company, whose engineers and fabricators transformed his concept into a larger-than-life sculpture.

Young’s concept for the sculpture was based off of a bronze casting which conveys the idea of the human form through an abstracted DNA double helix. After selecting Zahner to fabricate the artwork, Young provided the casting to Zahner engineers. The engineering team at Zahner developed a cloud map of the surface geometry, unfolding the forms and translating them into flat parts. These parts were produced in the Zahner shop using CNC equipment where they were assembled, welded and polished to create a seamless surface.

The artwork is installed at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri.