Page 12 - MetalForming November 2012

Tech Update
The World’s Largest Art Competition Featured this Homage to Manufacturing
This metalforming-themed mural titled “Great Impression” was part of ArtPrize, touted as the
world’s largest art competition, which occurs annu-
ally in Grand Rapids, MI. Judging for the competition,
the brain-child of the grandson of Amway founder
Richard DeVos, took place during September and Octo-
ber 2012. Included were more than 1500 artists from 47 dif- ferent countries.
The mural appears on the office building of GR Spring & Stamping’s main plant on Bond Rd., where its designer and artist Eric Britton worked as a press operator for two years, and was eventually promoted to quality engineer. Says Britton:
“‘Great Impression’ is a mural intended to recognize the driv- ing forces behind a revitalized manufacturing company and make connections between the disparities within manufacturing and the influences it has on the community. Simultaneously, this piece should represent the vision and mission of an ever- evolving company striving to create a culture-rich environ- ment with strong communication all while making conscious decisions to its impact on the environment. The use of simple
detailed forms, range of color and practice of trompe l’oeil will bring the viewer into the piece-breaking down the wall on which the mural rests.”
GR Spring & Stamping Inc.: 616/453-4491; www.grs-s.com
Architects and Fabricators Agree:
V-Grooving Machines
Ideal for Curtain Walls
Curtain-wall systems (says Wikipedia) typically are designed with extruded aluminum members, although the first curtain walls were made of steel. Copper cladding enables architects to incorporate visually desirable features into building design.
10 MetalForming/November 2012
www.metalformingmagazine.com