Wendell August Forge partners with Cleveland photographer for new holiday collection
July 6, 2011
375
Wendell August Forge, maker of heirloom-quality personalized metal gifts that commemorate lifes special moments, is partnering with Cleveland photographer Jim Ptacek to create a new collection of ornaments featuring iconic Cleveland landmarks.
Ptacek is known for his photos of Northeast Ohios landmarks. Three ornaments will be introduced this year featuring three of his distinctive images: Veterans Memorial Bridge, Lake Erie lighthouses and Cleveland Browns Stadium. The photographs will be recreated in metal by the world-renowned Wendell August master die engravers.
The Ptacek series will kick off during an event at the Wendell August Ohio Amish Country location – 7007 County Road 672, Berlin, Ohio – on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be guest appearances by Ptacek and Dave Bruck, master die engraver, who will each be signing pieces from the new collection. The artists will conduct a series of in-store demonstrations. Ptacek will also sell prints on-site. Additionally, there will be a demonstration by a chain saw carver and free hot dogs and chips for all.
The partnership between Wendell August and talented photographer Jim Ptacek is a natural fit and we are so excited to present his photos in a new medium, said Will Knecht, president of Wendell August Forge. Jim takes such care in capturing the special nuances of places throughout the region. We share that same enthusiasm and pride in the creation of our giftware.
After meeting Will Knecht, members of his staff and fellow workers, I was impressed with the feeling of a family atmosphere at all their locations, said Ptacek. I am looking forward to working with them and am honored to have my name and artwork associated with the Wendell August legacy.
Wendell August and Ptacek have agreed upon working together for the next five years to create several ornaments.
Each of the three scenes is featured on 3 1/2-inch round ornaments in either aluminum, bronze or copper. The ornaments may be purchased at the Wendell August Ohio Amish Country location or online at http://www.wendellaugust.com.
