Visual arts students learn to weld sculptures for public art

Recently, University of North Georgia (UNG) student Manny Alvarez donned a welding jacket, gloves and helmet before he clamped his hands around a welding machine for the first time.  

"It was really exciting," the sophomore pursuing a studio art degree said. "I heard the arc of the electricity and felt the heat come off of the device."

Alvarez was one of a few UNG students to learn how to use the newly acquired machine in the fall. Jeffrey Repko, assistant professor of visual arts, incorporated the welder into his curriculum after receiving a Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) grant to purchase the equipment.

"I introduced welding to my advanced sculpture students because it is a transferable skill," he said. "Having that skill is invaluable because they can work in a fabrication or design shop."

Repko explained welding lends itself to creating large and permanent sculptures for public art, which is an ideal way for artists to build their careers.

I introduced welding to my advanced sculpture students because it is a transferable skill. Having that skill is invaluable because they can work in a fabrication or design shop.

Jeffrey Repko

Assistant professor of visual arts

"The LEAP grant provided me and my students the tools we need to create large pieces of public art," Repko said. "And now, we have a new space on the Gainesville Campus to build these pieces. Our students can produce art that can withstand the elements, which will push the public art initiative further."

Repko's ultimate goal is to have students design and construct large sculptures to rotate around the housing authority's communities and UNG's campuses.

"We can make the experience valuable for students and give back to the community," Repko said.

Alexandra Sorto, a senior pursuing an art marketing degree, was simply thrilled at using the welding machine correctly.

"The goal is to heat the metal that you are touching and make it look like beads," the resident of Sugar Hill, Georgia, said. "It's almost like using a glorified glue gun. The beads are the standard."

Sorto said one of her welds looked good but the other looked unattractive. Alvarez admitted his first weld turned out sloppy, but it pushed him to work harder. The Lawrenceville, Georgia, resident aspires to make a living as a sculptor, especially considering his family's background.

"My grandmother was an ironworker. She had her own metal shop," Alvarez said. "Using the welder makes me feel close to her, now that she's passed away."