He did the sign at Glasgow Square Theatre, the piece that holds the bell near the New Glasgow library as well as historic markers.
He did the sign at Glasgow Square Theatre, the piece that holds the bell near the New Glasgow library as well as historic markers.
His latest project, which he completed with his son Michael, tested his abilities though. Together they crafted 30 steel Christmas decorations with lights that are now hanging on utility poles in downtown New Glasgow.
Darren owns Creative Metals and said he has done a lot of research to learn how to work with metals.
“What I would do is go online and buy all these books on wrought iron and try to make it,” he said. “If you’re interested in it you’re going to figure it out.”
His process usually starts with a drawing on paper. He met with the town engineer Earl MacKenzie to get his opinion and then began searching for designs.
“We wanted something a little more upscale and there was nothing out there.”
So he came up with a design of his own, showed it to the town and then went with it, working overtime to make sure they got the order done in time for the holidays.
He said he wanted to keep it in theme with the town’s slogan – Flourish – as well as include the town’s colours of gold and red. The final product includes gold leafing, white lights with a dash of red swirls representing of the town’s Flourish slogan and symbolism.
The work is now on display for all to see. To see them at their best, Martin recommends looking at them at night when the light sparkles off the glittered areas.
Town officials say they are pleased with the finished product.
“It is an investment that the whole community may enjoy for many years to come,” says New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks. “We recognize the importance of supporting local and knew this would be high-calibre craftsmanship and design. Darren and Michael Martin of Creative Metals produce quality work and these will be unique, one-of-a-kind infrastructure for our town that will be both durable and appealing. It is also a design that is festive and inclusive to all holiday celebrations and adds to the downtown core.”
Director of marketing and communications Kim Dickson said that often products like this would have to be purchased out of town, but they were fortunate to be able to have it produced locally.
“We believe them to be timeless and classic and are so glad they were able to be ordered and made locally.”
