Beauty of Steel Exhibit Opening Soon

Discover the Artistry of Metal at the Columbus Art Gallery

There is something captivating about steel. Strong and enduring by nature, it can also be graceful, fluid and expressive in the hands of a talented artist. During the month of August, the Columbus Art Gallery invites visitors to experience Beauty of Steel, an exhibition celebrating the versatility of metal through the works of artists Sally Jurgensmier and Michael Fluent.

From elegant sculptures to beautifully crafted functional pieces, this exhibit explores how industrial materials can be transformed into works of art that inspire, surprise and endure.

Where Strength Meets Creativity

Steel is often associated with construction, manufacturing and engineering, but Beauty of Steel challenges that perception by revealing its artistic potential. Through careful craftsmanship, welding and fabrication, each artist demonstrates how raw metal can be shaped into pieces filled with movement, texture and personality.

The exhibition highlights the balance between precision and imagination, showing that even the strongest materials can express beauty and emotion.

Featured Artist: Sally Jurgensmier

Sally's work reflects a passion for creating sculptures that celebrates the elegance and possibilities of steel. Each piece is handcrafted, combining thoughtful design with expert metalworking techniques to create sculptures that invite viewers to look beyond the material itself. Her work demonstrates that steel can possess both strength and delicacy, resulting in sculptures that are equally at home indoors or in outdoor landscapes.

Featured Artist: Michael Fluent

Joining Sally in the exhibition is Michael Fluent, whose background in engineering and metal fabrication brings a unique perspective to working with steel. His attention to craftsmanship and structural design showcases the versatility of metal while highlighting the intersection of technical skill and artistic expression. 

Michael is also a familiar name to public art enthusiasts across the state. As both a participating artist and an advocate for public art, he has played an influential role in the success and continued growth of Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN), a collaborative program that brings rotating sculpture exhibits to communities across the state, including Columbus. His sculptures have been featured in multiple SWAN communities, helping transform downtown districts into outdoor art galleries while inspiring residents and visitors.

Through Beauty of Steel, visitors will experience Mike's ability to transform industrial materials into compelling works of art that demonstrate both strength and elegance, complementing Sally's artistic vision while offering a distinctive perspective on the beauty of steel. 

A Celebration of Craftmanship

Whether you're fascinated by sculpture, appreciate handcrafted metalwork, or simply enjoy discovering new artistic perspectives, Beauty of Steel offers an engaging experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore works that range from contemporary and abstract designs to pieces inspired by nature, architecture and everyday life.

The exhibit serves as a reminder that art can be found in unexpected places and beauty often emerges from materials we see every day.

Visit the Columbus Art Gallery

Located on the second floor of the Columbus Community Building located at 2500 14 St., the Columbus Art Gallery continues to showcase talented regional artists working in a wide variety of mediums throughout the year.

Gallery Hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admission is free.

Join us this August to experience Beauty of Steel and discover how imagination, craftsmanship and creativity can transform steel into extraordinary works of art.