A custom welder and metal artist has set up shop in Dolores.
Colorado native Kenneth Vance has opened Lone Wolf Welding in the historic warehouse at Central Avenue and 6th Street.
“We bought the building and are in the process of renovating it,” he said. “It’s 90 years old so it needs some work, but we’re hoping to have a Grand Opening this summer.”
Vance, 46, is an enthusiastic welder and machinist with a resume of industrial work and artful creations.
“I’ve been welding since I was 14,” he said.
In past years he worked on government contracts, including for the Patriot missile command system at Fort Seal, and also for power plants, the food and beverage industry, and for Ska Brewery in Durango. He has experience welding underwater as well.
His eye for design had led to jobs building handrails and spiral stair-cases and custom fabrication.
“I built 10,000 feet of custom fencing for Victoria Lundh, granddaughter of Walt Disney, with cat sculptures for the entryway,” Vance said.
The Steam Punk genre is his art style of choice.
“I love making stuff with big industrial sprockets and gears,” he said. “Steam Punk combines the industrial, mechanical, and electronic eras. The movie Wild Wild West with Will Smith is a good example.”
He was recently commissioned by Westfork Gallery in Dolores to build a custom ladder using three-inch shaker screen and large chain links.
Lone Wolf Welding has two contract employees, and the company already has work in Cortez, Dolores, and Durango.
“No job is too big or too small. We’ll put you on the list,” he said.
Vance hails from the Arizona area, but he was born in Denver. His grandparents live in Montrose.
“I grew up four-wheeling and camping in Colorado and loved it,” he said. “I came to Dolores because it has heart and I wanted a place where I can pay it forward and offer my services and talents.”
For more information give him a call at (970) 570-9442, or email at lonewolfwelding4you@yahoo.com
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
