"Creative Metal" Solo Exhibition by Norman Wyatt Opens at GCCC’s Mercer Gallery
[Garden City, KS] August 12, 2025 -- The Mercer Gallery at Garden City Community College is pleased to present Creative Metal, a solo exhibition featuring the handcrafted metalwork of local artist and GCCC Manufacturing Welding Instructor, Norman Wyatt. The exhibition runs from August 12 through August 28, 2025, with a special Artist Reception on Thursday, August 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Creative Metal showcases a diverse range of Wyatt’s creations, from custom lamps and signage to expressive sculpture, crafted from both raw and reclaimed steel and other metals. Each piece reflects Wyatt’s distinctive style, blending rugged craftsmanship with artistic expression.
Wyatt began working with metal at just 14 years old, "Forging was just too cool," he says. That moment sparked a lifelong passion. That spark grew into a professional welding career spanning over five decades, during which he mastered aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, and various cast metals. His work has ranged from large-scale industrial projects, such as semi-trailers, pipelines, and grain storage systems, to finely detailed, one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Since joining GCCC in 2015, Wyatt has trained students in welding techniques for aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, and cast metals, first in the pipe lab and later in manufacturing and maintenance welding courses for local industries and high schools. Looking ahead, he hopes to launch a Creative Metal course that merges technical skill with artistic creativity.
Wyatt’s work embodies his values of independence, authenticity, and durability. Whether welding in the shop or enjoying the quiet rhythm of rural life, he brings that same energy to each creation. Known throughout the community for his raw creativity and expert skill, Wyatt bridges functionality, tradition, and artistic expression in an unapologetically American way, proudly handmade, and built to last.
The public is invited to enjoy this free exhibition during regular gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 10:00 PM.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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