John Metzler

We'd be remorsed to not mention the passing of John Metzler at this time. As many of you may have already read or heard, local artist/friend/father/founder John Metzler passed away at the young age of 46 on Thursday, May 17 around 8pm from a tragic accident involving a U-Haul trailer that hit him on the side of the road.

John was (and will continue to be) an important artist in Pittsburgh. He founded a group called the Urban Tree Forge (1004 Washington Blvd) which "turns wood salvaged from Pittsburgh’s forest into sustainable, green, building materials and inventive custom furniture." The group consists of several sculptors who worked with John leading and motivating them with his great enthusiasm for nature. The idea is that although trees die, they can be used and recycled for use in everyday life, while replenishing the city with more trees to help nature and humans. John was an innovator and forward-thinker in the arts and community, and he will be sorely missed. A great inspiration to everyone.




The Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Akron, Cleveland Arts And Livable City Blog wrote a nice, short article about John, and how he played a wonderful part in our society. Read that here. Also, the Pittsburgh Art Blog wrote an insightful and thoughtful post here. Feel free to post links and memories of John in the comments below.

Also, you may find the Post-Gazette wrote a wonderful article recently published on May 2, and sadly his obituary.

RIP, John.

(Photo at top by Robin Rombach for the Post-Gazette, and all others from John's myspace page)

Link to Urban Tree Forge