My background in forgework and welding provided the framework from which my art has emerged.

I have been working creatively in metal since 1972. My early works were primarily functional pieces, with an emphasis on the "form follows function" concept. However, during the past two decades, I have discovered--with increasing ease--the means to draw upon an inner spiritual energy. This is expressed in both my sculptural and architectural forms.

I have come to believe that the creative process best expresses itself on an emotional, as well as physical level. The resulting sculptural forms are the emotional bridge and essential connection between the artists and those experiencing the art.

Don Asbee
Metal Artist, Hartsburg, Missouri

Born and educated in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but trained as a blacksmith in Montana and a welder/fabricator in Missouri, Don has worked creatively in metal since 1972. In the early 1970's, Don enjoyed blacksmithing and horseshoeing as a "back-to-the-basics" occupation in Bland, Missouri. In his studio there, he created custom woodstoves, fire tools, gates and fences for clients throughout the state. During the last 15 years, however, he gradually has changed the emphasis of his forgework from strictly functional to chiefly sculptural and architectural forms. Don's background in forgework and welding provided the framework from which his art has emerged.

His sculptures and architectural metalwork may be seen statewide in the homes and on the grounds of many private clients. He's also created pieces for such clients as the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan; the St. Louis Zoo; Hermanhof and Stonehill wineries in Hermann, Missouri; Schneithorst Restaurant in St. Louis; Casualty Indemnity Insurance Company in Jefferson City, Missouri; Trinity Episcopol Church in St. Charles, Missouri; the Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri; and the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Under the sponsorship of the Mid America Arts Alliance, his work is being shown throughout the country in "Earth, Fire and Water: Contemporary Forged Metal," a two-year traveling exhibit. As a past vice president of the Blacksmith Association of Missouri, and as a member of the Artist-Blacksmith Association of North America, Don has enhanced his skills through workshops, conferences and symposiums.

His studio is located in a rustic setting near Hartsbug, Missouri, where he designs and crafts custom, commissioned pieces. Next time you're near Hartsburg, please stop by. Also, keep an eye out for his ironwork throughout the state.

2005

Unity Center, Columbia, Missouri, "Dove of Peace," Sculpture, stainless and mild steel.

2004

Stephen and Michele Trulaske , St. Louis, Missouri. "Woodlands" Arch, Assorted Exterior Lamps, forged steel. 

Chuck and Nanette Weber,  Jefferson City, Missouri.  Floral Window Sculpture, forged steel.

Matt and Beni Jaro, Gaithersburg, Maryland.  Kitchen Range Hood, forged and fabricated steel.

Skip and Dasisy Grossnickle, Columbia, Missouri.  Dining Room Gate, forged steel.

2003

Smithsonian Kite Exhibit, Washington, D.C., "Kite" Finalist.  Festival Competition, copper and steel. 

Phyllis Terminstein, St. Louis, Missouri.   "Crept Volante" Fountain Sculpture, forged copper and stainless. Arbor, forged steel.

Stephen and Michelle Trulaske, St. Louis, Missouri. Courtyard Gate, forged steel.  Kitchen Range Hood, forged and fabricated steel.

2002

James Schniethorst , St. Louis, Missouri. Cocktail tables, forged steel & glass. 

Peggy Kobusch, St. Louis, Missouri. Fire screen, Interior bi-fold gate, forged steel.

C.L. Richardson, Ashland Missouri. "Bluegrass South" signage, forged steel.

2001

Bud and Sandy Farmer, Jefferson City, Missouri. "Pineapple" window sculpture, forged steel

Chuck Lay, Columbia, Missouri. Fireplace Hood, forged copper

Larry and Carole Bader, Columbia, Missouri. "Turnbull" forged steel sculpture.

Laren And Donna Haslag, Loose Creek, Missouri. "Prairie Hunt" forged steel sculpture.

Kary Matthews, St. Louis, Missouri. "Dogwood Gates" and estate fencing, forged steel.

Frank and Penny McGowan, Flowery Branch, Georgia. "Dogwood" newel post and stair railing, forged steel.

Stephen and Michele Trulaske, St. Louis, Missouri. Boat House Range Hood, forged steel

Boone County National Bank, Columbia, Missouri. "Heron" forged steel sculpture.

Peggy Kobusch, St. Louis, Missouri. Stair Railing, Chandelier, forged steel.

2000

Laren and Donna Haslag, Loose Creek, Missouri. "Pheasant" Firescreen, forged steel.

Senator Jack and Mrs. Danforth, St. Louis, Missouri. "Gymnastique" forged copper sculpture.

Stephen and Michele Trulaske, St. Louis Missouri. Wineglass Chandelier, forged steel.

Doug and Julie Muhlman, St. Louis, Missouri. Chandelier, Cocktail Table, forged steel. 

Dr. Ken Rowan, Jefferson City, Missouri. "Dogwood" Newel and Stair Railing, forged steel.

Buddy and Sandy Farmer, Jefferson City, Missouri. Chandelier, forged steel &slumped glass.

1999

D.V. and Martha Anne Claiborne, Jefferson City, Missouri. Firescreen & Chimney Cap. 

Jones, Schneider & Bartlett Law Offices, Columbia, Missouri. Gates and Fencing, forged steel.

Buddy and Sandy Farmer, Jefferson City, Missouri. Stair Railing, forged steel.

Stephen and Michele Trulaske, St Louis, Missouri. Range Hood, forged steel.

Dr. Larry and Carole Bader, Columbia, Missouri. Cocktail Table, forged steel.

Robin Armbruster, Columbia Missouri, Fountain, stainless steel and ceramic.

1998

Randy and Fiona Woods, St. Louis, Missouri. "Dead Goose" Weathervane, copper, steel.

Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles Missouri, "Hymn of Creation" forged steel.

Robin Armbruster, Columbia, Missouri. Front Door, stainless, copper, Cattail Mailbox, steel

1997

Senator and Mrs. John Danforth, Rolla, Missouri. Ranch gate

Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, Missouri. Railings, chandelier

Peggy Kobusch Residence, St. Louis, Missouri. Gate, grillwork,coffee table, fire screen, vaulted ceiling arches set in wood trusses

1996

Datastorm Technologies Inc., Columbia, Missouri. "Orby Icon," forged steel sculpture

Schneithorst's Restaurant, St. Louis, Missouri. Light fixtures, door pulls, archways

1994

Senator and Mrs. John Danforth, St. Louis, Missouri. Sculpture, stair railing, parrot door knocker, door hardware

Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles, Missouri. Forged steel crosses

Newman Center, Columbia, Missouri. Cross, 30-foot stainless steel

Ellis Fischel Hospital, University of Missouri, Columbia. Grill for 52-foot window well, forged steel

1993

Drs. Greenberg-Parks Residence, Columbia, Missouri. Fireplace doors and coffee table, forged steel

1991

Casualty Indemnity Exchange, Jefferson City, Missouri. Gates, railings, sculpture

St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Columbia, Missouri. Outdoor Sculpture

1989

United Church of Christ, Hartsburg, Missouri. Exterior cross sculpture, steeple cross

Leslie Waldheim Residence, St. Louis, Missouri. Copper weathervane, seven-foot pterodactyl; dragon fire-screen

Les Bourgeois Winery and vineyards, Rocheport, Missouri. Fireplace screen, decorative gate, tables and chairs

Boone Tavern, Columbia, Missouri. Gazebo sign

St. Louis Zoo,St. Louis, Missouri. Jungle of the Apes sign

Wesley United Methodist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri. Sanctuary, exterior and baptismal crosses

1988

National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institute,Washington, D.C. Leaf and stem ornamentation for restaurant signage

1987

Hermanhof Winery and Festhalle,Hermann, Missouri. Gates, railing

1986

William Klinger Inn, Hermann, Missouri. Decorative fence and gates

1985

Kellog Company Building, Battle Creek, Michigan. Six forged steel servery signs

1984

McElroy Residence, Jefferson City, Missouri. Fireplace/furnace