This week, Paul Amaral, Leo Charpentier and the rest of our team at Amaral Custom Fabrications had the privilege of hosting a visit from our East Providence Mayor, Bob DaSilva his team. In addition to the mayor, Planning and Economic Development Director Bill Fazioli, Principal Planner Jim Moran and East Providence Waterfront Commission Executive Director Pam Sherrill made the trip to take a peek behind the scenes of our one-of-a-kind sculpture fabrication and sculpture restoration operation.
We guided the group around our facility, checked in on projects in progress and introduced them to our expert technicians like Sarah, Evan and Noah. We showcased our innovative hand-crafted sculpture fabrication techniques with live demonstrations. Mayor DaSilva said, “It’s incredible what he’s got going on here. The artwork he puts together is just fascinating.”
Photo Credit: The Mayor’s Office
Mayor DaSilva and the rest of the visiting officials got a chance to take in the riverfront scenery outside of our facility. Topics discussed included the economic impact our business has on East Providence and the state of Rhode Island. Paul explained how Amaral Custom Fabrication has emerged as an authority in the large-scale sculpture fabrication and restoration trade – attracting prominent names from across the United States and throughout the world. He said, “What I do is fabricate artwork for some of the world’s most famous artists including people like Roy Litchenstein, Keith Haring, Claes Oldenburg, Jeff Koons, Kenny Scharf – the list is long.”
Photo Credit: The Mayor’s Office
Most recently, our team at Amaral Custom Fabrications completed a massive sculpture for the renowned artist Keith Haring. Paul explained, “We had a big 30-foot sculpture, steel, Keith Haring that just shipped out last Wednesday.” At 30 feet tall, the piece, entitled ‘Self-Portrait’ is the largest-ever to depict Haring’s iconic design. It is currently being installed as a centerpiece at the yet to open AIDS Garden in Chicago. A Chicago Tribune article documented this past week’s installation progress.
Photo Credit: Brian Cassella of the Chicago Tribune
Thanks again Mayor Bob DaSilva, Development Director Bill Fazioli, Principal Planner Jim Moran and Waterfront Commission Executive Director Pam Sherrill! We hope to see you all again soon.