FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
May 5, 2016
WELDING STUDENTS DONATE BENCH TO VA CLINIC
Hot Springs, Arkansas – Students in the National Park College (NPC) Welding program designed and fabricated an iron bench that they plan to donate to the Central Arkansas Veteran’s Health Care System’s (CAVHS) Hot Springs Community Based Outpatient Clinic. A dedication ceremony will take place at 177 Sawtooth Oak Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901, Tuesday, May 10at 2 p.m.
Student artists, Casey White and Chris Smith designed and fabricated the bench as
part of their required service-learning project this semester in their Welding Layout
and Fabrication course. The students used gas metal arc welding (GMAW) to complete
the project, which required more than 100 hours of labor.
The bench was created using welds to look like wooden logs and branches. An American
flag waves across the seat back. Each line was individually welded then flattened
with a grinder to create the wood grain. To create the depth of the grain, the artists
used several layers of different paint shades.
Welding Instructor, Joey Poole said, “I require students to complete a service learning project of their choice each semester. I always enjoy watching the creativity they put into their work, but this project is a true work of art.”
A VA spokesperson stated, “CAVHS is honored and excited to receive this exceptional piece of craftsmanship in dedication to our Veterans. The care and labor put into this work by the students will be greatly appreciated by all who see it. ”
Photo: NPC Welding student service project created by Casey White and Chris Smith.
