MEET OUR ScrapFest 14 Judges!
Give it up for our ScrapFest 14 judges of the scrap metal sculpture competition! We're super excited to have them join us!
All of our judges this year are metal artists, and all of them have participated in ScrapFest before.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (for both Large and Small categories), and the People's Choice award will be announced on Saturday July 13th at 4:30pm ET! 🥇🥈🥉🏆
Kyle Orr
Winner of Scrapfest 2016.
Judges choice, People’s choice and record setting auction price.
Artist and fabricator of MSU STEM 3 story boiler refurbish project make over work, including steam punk cocktail tables, coal chain padded chair and heavy timber steam punk boiler parts bench. Judge of MSUFCU Michigan highschool art contest.
Cecilia Garcia-Linz
Cecilia Garcia-Linz is an artist activist who began creating art with her children at places like REACH Studio Art Center in Lansing, Michigan. Cecilia is committed to environmental conservation and justice, equity, social and racial justice and uses reclaimed materials to spark dialogue about these issues. She is passionate about helping others discover affordable and accessible ways to tap into their own creativity and recycles far more materials than she uses to create with, with a goal of utilizing materials unfit for recycling or creating in a way that allows for works to be recycled post consumer.
Dace Koenigsknecht
I’ve created a wide array of public and private commissions, finding pleasure in the collaborative process of creation – idea, plan, sketch, fabricate, and deliver. The intellectual exercise and challenge is motivating, and the craftsmanship of handwork is very rewarding. I enjoy creating unique objects that are used or encourage interaction. I like abstraction because of the mental engagement required of the viewer. Their past and present experiences will ‘personalize’ what they see.
Chance Liscomb
Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1966, I grew up surrounded by the scenic beauty of a valley nestled between two mountains and the Shenandoah River. The second oldest of seven siblings, my unconventional upbringing was filled with exciting experiences. Raised by artist parents—my mom, a painter, and dad, a sculptor—I was nurtured creatively from an early age. Their influence sparked my curiosity for life and diverse cultures.
Venturing into the Peace Corps led me to West Africa, where I immersed myself in traditional African art, learning invaluable techniques from skilled Malian artisans. Traveling abroad shaped both my personal and artistic perspectives. Returning from Mali, I obtained another degree in education and taught in the Canary Islands while honing my sculpting skills.
After three years abroad, I returned to Virginia, started a family, and earned a master's degree in sculpture and painting. With over thirty years of teaching and creating art, I currently reside in Michigan. My sculptures and paintings have been showcased locally and internationally, represented in galleries across two states. Collaborating with galleries, collectors, and communities in Michigan and Virginia, I create commissioned pieces. Grateful for my supportive wife and the metropolitan atmosphere of Lansing, Michigan, I continue to envision a dazzling future.
To delve deeper into my artistic journey, insights into my creative process, and the projects I've undertaken, explore my blog on this website. Stay updated by following my Facebook page for regular shares.
Jason VanAken
Jason VanAken- I’m a professional welder, Certified Welding Inspector, Welding Instructor, amateur artist, tinkerer, mechanic, builder, husband, father. I have been participating in Scrapfest for over a decade, and really enjoy everything this festival has to offer! As a past competitor, I will bring an unbiased perspective gained from years of experience in this wonderful event!