STARworks Metal
Starworks Metal Studio facilitates continued education and resources for students fresh out of sculpture/metal programs, as well as the general public interested in learning to work with metal. The program is focused, but not limited to the three main approaches of working with metal: Fabrication, Blacksmithing, & Casting.
Our growing Metal Studio hosts forges, furnaces, welding equipment, and a fully equipped mold making area. We have recently expanded into our 10,000+ sq. ft. workshop, located at Starworks, and formerly occupied by Wet Dog Glass.
ignite change
We are looking for donations to help fuel the flames of progress! Consider donating HERE and writing “Metal Studio” in the memo line to make sure your donation goes to grow our Metal Studio!
History
The Metal Studio at Starworks first began development in 2009 out of a necessity for crafting in house metal work to support our glass and ceramics programs. A group of resident and local artists (including current Director of Metals, Mac Metz) volunteered their time and began by clearing and giving life to a previously unused portion of the Starworks building. As Starworks grew and expanded its facilities, the Metal Studio followed suit and before long grew into its own entity. In 2010 a furnace was built to conduct iron pours, which quickly became tradition during our annual Firefest event. Beginning January 1st 2022, Starworks began officially including the Metal Studio to its list of programming alongside Glass and Ceramics. Facilities were adapted once again to now accommodate hands on workshops in welding, blacksmithing and casting. As of 2023, Starworks prepares to grow our Metals Studio into its new space of more than 10,000 sq. ft. This expansion will give Starworks Metal the opportunity to offer even more community workshops, as well as the infrastructure to host the very best creatives working in metal at Starworks as resident and guest artists in the future!
Starworks Customs
Starworks Metal Studio proudly offers custom, hand-fabricated metal designs for both individual and business needs. We are excited to bring your ideas to life. Once you contact Starworks Metal with your custom request, experienced metal artists will work with you to assess the project and offer a quote. We use locally sourced materials whenever possible. All of our custom projects will not be replicated, so you know that your handmade Starworks Metal projects are truly unique.
lattices and railings
custom hooks and specialty tools
brackets and pedestals
mounting and display for artwork
Staff
Mac Metz
Mac Metz is the Metal Studio Coordinator at Starworks. He is an artist who works with metal, stone, glass, and wood to create his sculptural work. Mac graduated from ECU with a BFA in sculpture, and has also studied and worked at Penland School of Craft & NCSU. Starworks has been the home to his studio for many years and his work can been seen around the building. His work is also held in galleries and private collections both nationally and internationally. Before coming to Starworks, Mac worked as lead fabricator at Wet Dog Glass for more than fifteen years and contributed to the making of state of the art glass studios worldwide. His free time is dedicated to hikes with his dog, travel, writing, and deep thought.