At Art Work Fine Art Services, we are the premier art logistics partner for transporting and fine art crating. From sensitive art pieces made of porcelain, marble, or glass, to large and heavy pieces requiring internal supports and specialized padding, at Art Work FAS, we specialize in handmade, bespoke crating solutions with a wide array of designs suited for the specific needs of each piece.
Recently, we were asked to fabricate crates for transport of John Grade Studio’s Espejo to the US Embassy in Guatemala City. Our work on this project is one of many demonstrations of the dedication and attention to detail embodied by our team.
John Grade Studio US Embassy Sculpture
Espejo was commissioned by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies. It was installed into the embassy located in Guatemala City, which was designed by Miller Hull architects.
The sculpture represents the natural beauty of both US landscapes and Guatemalan vegetation, inspired by the American bristlecone pine and the Guatemalan ceiba tree.
The artist, John Grade, is a renowned contemporary sculptor known for his impressive, life-sized sculptures of rare and beautiful trees. His works are made of reclaimed pieces of wood to create immersive large-scale, site-specific installations. He draws attention to the impermanence of these features with his artwork, drawing inspiration from Northwest landscapes such as the mountains in Nevada’s Great Basin, as well as international landscapes, including the highland forests in Guatemala and the changing landforms above the Arctic Circle.
Crating the US Embassy Sculpture
The sculpture for the US Embassy in Guatemala is almost 40 feet tall and uniquely formed to mimic natural shapes. Because of the immense weightiness and unconventional shape of this piece, we ensured that the custom crating design included the shape of the pieces within the build.
At Art Work FAS, we ensure that custom solutions for fine art crating, installation, and transportation meet the unique standards of each piece for safe shipping. We take the crating, shipping and installation processes seriously to ensure that no damage occurs. Our high-quality crates are made to precisely fit each piece, and interior constructs – which are padded and cushioned – securely hold your items during shipping.
Specialized Knowledge From Our Experts in Fine Art Crating
For nearly 30 years, Art Work Fine Art Services has served as the trusted logistics partner to some of America’s most highly-regarded museums, galleries, collectors, and artists. We specialize in expert and custom solutions for crating, domestic and international shipping, warehousing, and preservation of artwork.
Our team is made up of passionate experts in many mediums, including design, painting, printmaking, carpentry, photography, and sculpture. Art Work FAS offers services in Portland and Seattle, in addition to California’s Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York City, and across the Rocky Mountains.
To request an estimate or find out more about our fine art crating solutions, contact us.