Artist Highlight

 In 1999 I got interested in trying to make some copper bugs for the garden, I played around with it for about 6 months in a garage.  Really excited by my new work, I decided to use the turn-of-the-century to be a milestone mark in my life.  So as of 1/1/2000 I decided to dedicate all of my time to this new sculpture work, so I eventually moved back to Iowa and rented a small shop at the end of a gravel road to do my work.  It was a great place to hide away and be creative.  In 2002 I changed the name from Garden Critters to AJ’s Copper Garden and moved into the historic Iowa community of The Amana Colonies.

My goal has always been to create uniquely different sculptures, each piece to be a surprise from the last one.

Beauty and durability are the cornerstones on which my business is built. Each piece is constructed using only the finest materials (copper, brass, & stainless steel). Every sculpture is then cut, shaped and finished by hand.

In 2007 I purchased and renovated the historic Homestead Cafe and gas station, which now house my Studio and metal art gallery. This wonderful building was built with bricks recycled from the original smokestack of the Calico plant, and the huge old Oak beams first used in the 1850's in Main Amana.  This building has been in almost continuous use since first constructed in 1932.

In 2015 I decided to retire.  I couldn't let my art and creations retire though.  So, in 2016 my apprentice of 7 years, Sam, and I came to an arrangement for Sam to take over the business.  During this time a new painter, Kim, was hired.  It quickly became apparent that Sam and Kim made a great business team, and Kim was offered a partnership into the business.