I'm a metal sculptor, jeweler, and art enthusiast from Akron, OH.

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At an early age, I developed a deep love for the arts. I was lucky to find a connection with my elementary art teacher and with her encouragement, art became a permanent part of me. The fire was lit while learning to weld at nine, experimenting in my father's steel fabricating shop where I had all the tools, scrap metal and guidance a girl could ask for. Captivated by the arts, in love with making things, I found a lifelong fondness fabricating with metals. I'm drawn to the strength, flexibility, and enduring nature of steel, and it's ability to tell a story long after ones gone.

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In my creative process, I'm transforming raw and recycled materials and into unique, functional artifacts. I use a wide range of tools including angle grinders, pneumatic rotary devices, plasma torches, welding equipment, computers, and digital cutting technology. My work emphasizes themes of connection, community, light, symbolism, and functionality.

I find deep meaning in utilizing the resources around me, and feel it takes a stance against today's buy new throw-away culture. As an artist, working in my own interpretive style, my goal is to evoke natures essence in any room, to serve always as a reminder of the powerful, magnificent force that is nature, and the interconnection of all life.

The work I create is from the heart, and I hope that, whether my materials are raw or salvaged, the art I bring to life might aid in the appreciation and preservation of the natural world, and maybe transform onlookers into participants. I'm grateful that on my artistic path, many opportunities have opened to showcase my work and find meaningful ways to contribute to the community, even in small ways.

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Here are a few of my most cherished artistic endeavors:

 

I had the honor of being the first artist to ever exhibit in the Akron Mayor's Office in 2016. My work has also shown in various notable venues, including the Summit County Executive Office of the late Russ Pry, Peg's Gallery at the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation (2018), The Mustard Seed Cafe in Montrose (2015), and Highland Square (2018).

I was twice recognized and awarded as a runner-up in three dimensional art for the Akron Art Prize and Akron High Arts Festival. For three years, I served as the Creative Director and installation artist for the Big Love Festival, an event that fostered community connection and creativity.

I have loved engaging with the Akron community, co-founding and leading the local chapter of the League of Creative Interventionists, where I served as co-captain and lead builder for over three years. Art in public spaces is important, and I was thrilled to be the Artist in Residence at the Innerbelt National Forest for it's first three years in downtown Akron (2018-2021). In 2019, I was among four metal sculptors invited to participate in the first ever FUZED exhibit at the historic Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. My largest functional sculpture to date, "The Traveling Porch," was featured at the Akron Art Museum during their Children's Day celebrations in both 2021 and 2022. I was also privileged to work with the North Hill Community Development Corporation to design and construct a set of entrance archways and a garden trellis for People's Park in North Hill (2022).

Near the top of my list was the true labor of love and honor to create a public sculpture to honor the late Ward 1 Akron Councilman Rich Swirsky, at his own dedicated Richard Swirsky Memorial Park,

in the Highland Square neighborhood of Akron, Ohio 2022.

Recently my favorite offering of functional public art to the world was commissioned by the PEG's Foundation and Gallery for their campus in downtown Hudson, OH, 2025. This piece is exciting because it's a natural gas powered fire sculpture. A sphere depicting a community of three interwoven flowering dogwood trees, and is often lit for large community events throughout the year.

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I am currently immersed in several personal projects but remain passionate about creating new work. Whether it’s custom sculptures, jewelry, or consulting, I am always eager to collaborate. Please feel free to reach out—let’s imagine and build something beautiful together.

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You can follow my work on Instagram @MeganLouiseShane #MeganShaneArt and stay updated on my local events at www.facebook.com/MeganShaneArt.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

 

In gratitude,
Megan Shane

 

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