LOGAN — On display at the Hansen Museum in Logan, Kansas, is the metal art of Bruce Bitter.

The museum holds an annual Art’s and Crafts Fair the third Saturday in August and chooses 12 “Artists of the Month” winners. Each winner has an area in the museum to display their art or craft to sell for one month. Metal Farm Signs

Metal artwork of Bruce Bitter on display at Hansen Museum

Bruce creates his own designs through a variety of methods which include hand drawing his patterns directly and cutting them out with a plasma torch to create stunning metal art. The metal is then hand ground with different patterns which produce a variety of light reflections. He uses the flame of the torch as a paintbrush to create beautiful colors on stainless steel pieces, that will dazzle the eye of the beholder. On display and available for purchase areChristmas ornaments, crosses, American flags, and country themed wall hangings.

Bruce has been perfecting his craft for over 28 years and his portfolio includes 911 memorial plaques in eight different Kansas airports. The largest of which is in the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita. Constructed out of a metal beam from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, each plaque contains the words “We Will Never Forget” and depicts an eagle flying in front of the Twin Towers.

If you have ever driven through Plainville on Highway 183, you have surely seen Bruce’s work, a Veterans Memorial with the U.S. flag and service members representing each branch of the service. Commissioned over the past five years, Bruce has made military-themed park benches, patio tables, pole banners, waste receptacles, and a swing set.

Come into the museum to view Bruce’s metal art throughout the month of December and while you are here, enjoy the World War I “Life in the Trenches” exhibit.

The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 & 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.