GETTYSBURG – Nuts, bolts, washers and more become works of art in the hands of scrap metal artist Edward D. Baltzell, a member of the Safety and Security Department at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus.The public is invited to view his art, which is on display in the Learning Commons through early fall, during regular hours at the campus, 731 Old Harrisburg Road.
Baltzell, an avid scroll saw artist for many years, turned to scrap art welding a year ago because he wanted to try something new and he always loved welding.
Using scraps of metal from his shop at home and supplies from a local tractor supply company, Baltzell fashions animals, people, motorcycles, cars and more. The ideas for sculptures are endless, said Baltzell of Dover, York County.
“My first piece was a fish. I put two spoons together as the body and used fork handles as the fins with two ball bearings for the eyes,” he said. “I looked at it and thought ‘That’s pretty neat.’”
Baltzell said he always enjoyed working with crafts and uses it as an outlet to unwind after work. After retiring in 2006 from a career in horticulture as the owner of a company that offered tree and landscape design and maintenance, Baltzell became a York County deputy sheriff. In 2010, he joined the HACC Safety and Security Team.
Baltzell’s display features about 30 scrap art welding sculptures, all of which are for sale and range in price from $20 to $220. His work will be featured in the display case at the Learning Commons through early fall.
“In my work, you will see I don’t measure a lot and I don’t try to make everything perfect. That is what makes it enjoyable and keeps it in the folk art theme,” Baltzell said. “My art is intended to create conversation but most of all bring a smile to all that view.”
