Steering his bike carefully to avoid the thousands of caterpillars covering Maury St., just off the Elysian Viaduct north of Downtown, 2-wheeled wanderer and lawn-art enthusiast Robert Boyd stumbles across the Fifth Ward workshop of Blumenthal Sheet Metal:
The official address is 1710 Burnett St., but it appears that their facility takes up a whole block–Leona on the south, Burnett on the north, Hardy on the west and Elysian on the east. Blumenthal is a sheet metal fabrication plant, which makes them on the face of it no different from hundreds of small industrial firms in Houston (the secret engines of our city’s economy). Blumenthal has been in business for over a 100 years, which definitely distinguishes them, but what also distinguishes them is that a lot of the fabrication they do is for artists.
Boyd snaps photos of a few Blumenthal constructions in the area:
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Then delivers his pitch:
We’re a sprawling city with lots of big front yards which have little utility (we don’t barbeque in the front yard, or keep a pool there, for example). But it is the entry, physically and visually, into your home. Therefore, a perfect place for a sculpture or other piece of lawn art. Pieces like the screens and the columns are perfect–tough and weatherproof, heavy (not likely to be stolen), attractive… All you homeowners with disposable income, about to redecorate your house for the fifth time–pay some attention to the front lawn and get some lawn art. I’m sure the metal-bashers at Blumenthal could hook you up with some excellent artists.
- Houston Streets 17–Under the Elysian Viaduct [Wha’ Happen?]
- Metal Fabricating [Blumenthal Sheet Metal]
Photos: Robert Boyd
“Therefore, a perfect place for a sculpture or other piece of lawn art.”
I agree, but you better watch out for a over active HOA that might think you are ruining the neighborhood.
You’re right, of course. But putting in lawn sculpture is not just a personal decorative act–you may also have to win some hearts and minds, too. My hope is that the HOAs of Houston would be open enough to art to consider it.
interesting post!
No HOA nonsense in the East End. Come on Down.
I’m moving to Sharpstown next year and am looking for some artistic burglar bars for the house. Thanks for the tip!!!
Real artists make their own art.
Tell that to Dale Chihuly. He always has glass artisans make his art for him.
This really isn’t any different.
Artist have been using fabricators since the ancient Greeks. Do you think Praxiteles cast his bronze sculptures by himself?
“Artists have” is what I meant. Because I’m all about subject-verb agreement.