Sparks fly in Reigning Fire No. 2: Welding meets art at San Jac
Art meets industry at the San Jacinto College North Campus, where sparks fly in a unique showcase of creativity and craftsmanship. In February, the campus welding program partnered with the North Gallery for "Reigning Fire No. 2: Industrial Art Showcase," an exhibition featuring sculptures and designs by students from the metal sculpture and art metals welding courses.
These courses welcome artists, hobbyists, and newcomers alike. The art metals course eliminates the need for prior welding experience by focusing on the fundamentals. Students learn shop and tool safety, GMAW welding, cutting, grinding and CNC plasma fabrication.
Welding instructor Emily Choate encourages all students to explore their creativity.
"Even if you don't feel creative or call yourself an artist, this class is still for you," Choate said. "We encourage teamwork to share ideas. A basic concept can transform into artwork."
The metal sculpture course focuses on the design and business side of art metals and product fabrication by introducing 3D CAD/CAM. Metal sculpture students also write a basic business plan or art proposal while working on their own creations.
The projects created in these courses became the featured artwork in the showcase, some forged by students who had never picked up a torch before.
"Seeing someone come in with little to no experience and turn out an amazing piece is so rewarding for me and for the students," Choate said. "I want them to feel comfortable tapping into their creative sides and thinking outside the booth."
This marked the second collaboration between the welding program and gallery with more planned for the future.
"We're honored to showcase these fantastic sculptures," said Joe Clark, art instructor and gallery curator. "This collaboration with our welding program is a perfect fit, and I look forward to featuring their work again."
As students continue to push the boundaries of what welding can achieve, their work not only enhances the campus but also redefines how art and industry intersect.
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