Photos and written by Isabel M. Castro
Kevin Stone, a world-renowned metal sculptor celebrated for his awe-inspiring large-scale creations, has brought his artistry to the heart of Las Vegas. Originally from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, Stone spent over 30 years as a tradesman and welder before fully dedicating himself to his craft. The move to Las Vegas with his wife, Michelle, marks a pivotal chapter in his career—driven by the logistical challenges of working in Canada and the opportunity to be closer to his primary U.S. market.
Stone found the ideal environment to create his monumental works by settling in the Northwest Valley and establishing a workshop in North Las Vegas. With the support of his team, he continues to push the boundaries of metal sculpture, crafting pieces that captivate audiences and transform spaces. His life and work have always been a family affair, blending creativity, teamwork, and a passion for art.
A Public Celebration of Art
Kevin and Michelle will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 8, and the public is invited.
“A lot of this is about the kids,” Kevin explains. Teaching and inspiring others has become a central aspect of his mission. Through YouTube tutorials and daily social media updates, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his process, allowing aspiring artists to learn from him. The open house is also a chance for the public to see Kevin’s work up close, appreciating the detail and craftsmanship that go into each piece. “Some art looks good from afar, but I want my work to look great even when you’re right up close,” Kevin shares. By opening his doors, he wants to build a personal connection with the local community and introduce them to the monumental art he has become known for internationally.
Early Creativity and Inspirations
Kevin’s first brush with art came as a child when he etched a fish onto his mother’s brand-new coffee table. “My mom would always remind me of that story,” he laughs. Growing up in a family of artists, including a father who loved to doodle and an uncle who pursued art seriously, Kevin’s natural talent began to take shape. Living in a gas station in the early 1970s, he found inspiration in the custom hot rod shop up the road. It was the era of painted vans with fantasy murals—dragons, warriors, and mythical beasts that seemed to leap out of the pages of his favorite Conan magazines. These vivid images fueled his early passion as he copied and scaled up the drawings he admired. “That’s how I learned art—by being a copy artist,” he recalls. Kevin’s art continued to flourish in high school, though it took a backseat to other pursuits as he grew older. After years of working to support his family, art found its way back into his life when he discovered a passion for large-scale sculpture.
A Chance Meeting and Lifelong Partnership
Kevin met Michelle during a transitional period in his life. Recently separated and immersed in a large dragon project at his farm in Chilliwack, he decided to try online dating. That’s how he met Michelle in the mid-2000s. Their connection solidified after a couple of dates and a homemade turtle cheesecake she brought him. At the time, Michelle ran a hair studio with her mother, working primarily in care homes. As Kevin’s sculpture business grew busier, Michelle began to help out with bookkeeping and errands, eventually transitioning into more hands-on roles in the workshop. “She just picked it up,” Kevin says, describing how Michelle learned paper templating and pattern-making by working closely with him. Today, Michelle plays a key role in their operation, mentoring apprentices and ensuring the precision of their projects.
Creative Synergy
Michelle’s perfectionism, inherited from her father, a stone carver, complements Kevin’s artistic vision. “He’ll ask me if something looks right or should be done differently, and we bounce ideas off each other,” Michelle explains. Over their 15 years together, they’ve built a successful business and a deeply collaborative relationship.
Kevin relies on Michelle’s keen eye for detail, extending beyond the workshop. “She can walk into a high-level car show and spot imperfections that regular people might miss,” he says proudly. Their shared commitment to excellence ensures that every piece they create is visually stunning and flawlessly executed.
Forging Master Sculptures
Kevin and Michelle’s journey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to their craft. Their upcoming open house marks another milestone, inviting the world into their creative universe. For Kevin, it’s more than just showcasing his work; it’s about connecting with people and inspiring the next generation of artists to dream big.
Kevin has been forging awe-inspiring sculptures that fuse craftsmanship, creativity, and engineering. Each piece is a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection and his commitment to the art of metal shaping. His work embodies a rare combination of artistic vision and technical mastery, from fire-breathing dragons to majestic eagles and Trees of Life.
The illustration of the dragon The Tree of Life The beginning of a new sculpture
The Path of Dedication
Artistry, for Kevin, is more than just creativity—it’s discipline, experience, and a never-ending learning process. “I’ve been shaping metal for over 35 years, and every day I discover something new,” he reflects. His journey began with a fascination for hand-forming metals, like ancient artisans working with clay or bronze. He chose the “hard way,” shunning modern shortcuts to preserve the integrity and spirit of his craft. “Every piece I make is handmade, formed by my hands, and not on a computer. It’s what gives my work its character.”
While many sculptors rely on advanced tools or CNC machines, Kevin embraces traditional methods. His passion lies in transforming raw materials—steel, aluminum, and stainless steel—into monumental works of art. “Stainless steel is incredibly difficult to work with—it gets harder the more you shape it—but that challenge is part of what makes the finished product so rewarding.”
Building a Legacy
Looking ahead, Kevin and Michelle envision a legacy in the sculptures they create and the knowledge they pass on to the next generation. His studio in Las Vegas is more than a workspace; it’s a hub for inspiration and education.
Open houses, school visits, and workshops allow aspiring artists to witness the magic of metalworking up close. His partnership with his apprentice, Josh Swinder, exemplifies this commitment to mentorship. Swinder, a self-taught welder and fabricator, joined the studio after relocating to Las Vegas. “Josh has continued to impress me,” Kevin says. “He’s hardworking, loves what he does, and is growing more inspired with each project.”
As Kevin looks to the future, he aims to install more of his monumental sculptures locally in Las Vegas and share his creations with the community. “I want to keep doing this until I can’t anymore. But as I grow older, I hope to pass on my knowledge so that younger generations can continue this craft. I want to leave my mark by teaching someone how to shape metal, run a business, and think creatively.”
Conclusion
Through his relentless dedication, Kevin, Michelle, and their team have carved out a unique space in the art world. His sculptures, born of fire, metal, and imagination, inspire awe and stand as a testament to creativity. Their upcoming free open house event offers the public a rare opportunity to experience his sculptures firsthand and gain insight into Stone’s artistic process.
Event details: The Kevin Stone Studio is located at 3011 Coleman St., North Las Vegas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 8.
For more info, visit kevinstonemetalart.com
Follow him on Facebook: @MetalSculptorKevinStone, TikTok: @metalsculptorkevinstone, Instagram: @metal_sculptor_kevin_stone, and YouTube @ metalsculptorkevinstone431