Kelly Gallagher’s interest in steel art began in 2015 with a welding workshop from the Kimball Art Center. She enjoyed it so much she signed up for a welding class through the University of Utah Lifelong Learning program.

Several years after that first fateful welding workshop, Gallagher began her own small business, Mountain Metal Arts, through which she continues to hone her craft and engage in philanthropy:

“I [started out making] functional pieces with artistic decoration and some sculptures. I have participated in local and out-of-state art fairs for several years and am finally learning how to display my pieces. I have also had the opportunity to donate several pieces to good causes. It brings me real pleasure to see people enjoy my art.” As much delight as Gallagher gets from sharing her art, there is an equal measure of joy in her creative process, and she takes inspiration from the natural beauty of Summit County. “I really enjoy making wall hangings or sculptures that represent what I see in nature, especially animals or plants,” she explains, “I have always gotten great ideas running or snowshoeing with my dogs on the trails in the Wasatch Back.”

Gallagher’s artistic path has included opportunities for community-building and generosity, and she is currently the Vice President and website administrator of the Park City Artists Association (PCAA). Gallagher first joined the PCAA “as a means to meet other artists and engage in the arts community…More recently I also decided to ‘give back’ to the local arts community by teaching the welding workshop at the Kimball Art Center. I teach one workshop per month. I love to see people come in, learn how to safely use the tools, and take home something they created!”

A sense of camaraderie and community is part of the impact Gallagher believes CREATE PC’s new Kearns Boulevard space will have: “I believe that the new CREATE PC space…will help us all focus on growing the sense of a vibrant arts community that has been a goal for years. I am hoping that the CREATE PC space will enable us to provide a focused location to engage both locals and visitors in the Bonanza District and am very excited about this possibility.” Gallagher also hopes that the Kearns location will provide “a home that will be stable for several years, [so] we local artists will have a space where we can gather, exchange ideas, collaborate, and most importantly, be able to show/sell our art in a permanent location.”

What new artistic horizons will the intrepid Gallagher explore as she grows in the CREATE PC gallery? “I learn more about working with steel on every piece I make. This year I am focusing on expanding my knowledge about steel finishes beyond paint and rusting techniques. I am also learning how to incorporate lighting so I can create pieces with specific backlighting or other effects.” Visitors to the CREATE PC Gallery will get to experience Gallagher’s newest works the moment the metal cools!

Find Kelly Gallagher’s works on her website mtnmetalart.com or Instagram @mtnmetalart. You can visit her work at the CREATE PC gallery space at 1500 Kearns Blvd. Click here to learn more about CREATE PC.

Kelly Gallagher: Finding Possibility in Permanence