Driving towards the metal museum is a destination that is close to the Mississippi river. The Chickasaw Heritage Park is another landmarks on the map that will guide any driver to the museums front gate. The exact location is Metal Museum Dr, Memphis, TN 38106. Before getting out of my parked car I noticed another building to the left. It was formally known as the United States Marine Hospital building. My main destination is the Metal Museum and I began to walk towards he gate.
After walking a few steps the entrance was now in front of me. A large gate was open. It was made out of metal and very large. I began walking forward towards the first museum building of the day. It was on the left and had a very welcoming atmosphere. The greeter at the front desk smiled and explained the details of the exhibits that awaited inside the next room. Looking around at the different displays was very fun and exciting.
A fantastic display of metal artwork by the artist Natalie Macellaio was featured in the room. Her art piece was made from copper and concrete. The name of this sculpture was “Left Behind”. It looked like a metallic net that captured a square block. The metal net pattern resembled a fishnet that a fisherman might use while on a boat catching fish. This sculpture was a surprising combination of metal and concrete, making it enjoyable to observe. I glanced at the title again 'Left Behind,' I imagined it must have some kind of story behind it. The concrete block might represent the object that is left behind, as it appeared to be stuck in the metallic net."
As I continued to slowly walk into the next room I noticed an arrangement of cast iron skillets. These looked like they belong in a kitchen but they were featured here as an item to buy at the shop. As I continued to look at the other items for sale I noticed a funny looking statue of a mountain climber. He looked like he was enjoying a steady and powerful walk toward an unknown destination. He had a backpack on him too which also seemed to be made out of metal. The amount of creativity inside this store was wonderful to see on display, and the option of buying the items would be a fun and surprising gift for a friend.
Continuing on foot I walked into the next room where I noticed some steps leading up to the upstairs. The second floor of the building featured even more metal structures that were encased in a glass box.
While looking at this art piece I wondered to myself, “How did the artist make this?” I was looking at a sheet of black metal squares that had some white paintings on them. I wasn't sure what I was looking at but it looked like it was crafted with love and care. The description of how the grisaille process was also on display. Here are the steps to create this art:
Continuing on through the museum I stepped outside to get some fresh air. Building number two was just ahead. The first thing that caught my eye was a giant metallic sculpture that looked like a huge sparkle. I stepped closer to it and noticed that the art was by Tom Joyce. It was created in 2015 and donated to the museum from the artist. The next thing I did was step inside the building and walk up the steps to the second floor. I noticed a bunch of iron gates leaning on the wall. They seemed to be from an ancient time long ago. The looked very heavy but also sturdy. It was great to see some metal objects that also served a utilitarian purpose.
Later in the day I ventured outside and was able to witness some iron workers doing sand casting! While they were all setting up to do a sand casting project I read the banner display describing the sand casting process.
Sand casting is a process in which an object called a pattern is packed into sand mixed with emulsifier within a container, or flask in order to make a mold for casting. The mold is made in two parts: the COPE is the upper half where the metal enters, and the DRAG is the lower half where the most detail is formed.
After reading about that process, I turned around and saw the metalsmiths standing ready with their full fireproof gear on. They were standing ready, waiting for the heat to fire up to a hot temperature. It was enjoyable to experience the entire museum and then witness the process of creating molds! The metal museum really does have something for everyone. The artwork and craftsmanship is truly unique when using metal as the material to mold and create art. Check out the Metal Museum to learn something new or even to buy a cast iron skilled for your next breakfast meal.
