ScrapFest

A Render Studios Documentary Series

Scrap to Art

ScrapFest is a repurpose-focused art festival centered around a scrap metal sculpture competition in Lansing, Michigan. With only one hour to pick out 500 pounds of metal from the scrapyard and only four weeks to transform that metal into a breathtaking sculpture, the entire process is a race against the clock.

This documentary follows three teams of artists through the event as they construct their pieces in the hopes of winning first place. Focusing on the artist’s history, motivations, creative problem-solving, hopes, fears, and personal goals, viewers of “ScrapFest” will get a never-before-seen look at everything that goes into the art that’s presented on festival weekend. But the path to success is not a straight line as the teams face unexpected obstacles on their creative journey to complete their pieces. How deep do they have to dig to get to the finish line and who will take home the coveted trophy?

As the director of this documentary, I have spent nearly 20 years in awe of the creativity of these artists who transform scrap metal and redefine the boundaries of art. In our short documentary, we peel back the layers of this unique and connected subculture, shining a spotlight on the diverse voices and stories that comprise the ScrapFest community. In capturing the essence of ScrapFest artistry, we aim to spark a dialogue about sustainability, creativity, and the transformative power and connectedness of art.”

Karen Stefl

Render Studios

Renewed Purpose

For the second season of the documentary, the focus shifted to a single artist—allowing for a more in-depth look into their relationship with the competition and with art as a whole.

Before finding ScrapFest, Andrew was a young husband and father struggling to strike a balance between supporting his family and following his creative spirit. Those combined pressures became too much to handle, and when finally confronted about his alcoholism, Andrew knew he needed to make a big change for his loved ones and himself. During this evolution, ScrapFest inspired him to shift from painting to embracing himself as a metal artist.

Natural Connection

Theresa’s story is told by paralleling her ScrapFest journey with her lifelong connection to nature. As she says, “Trees just know how to grow.” In the same way, humans just know how to create—through writing, painting, cooking, dancing, welding, and more. Art is integral to the human experience, but just as with nature, sometimes dormancy and rest are necessary for growth.

ScrapFest challenges Theresa to push past self-doubt and trust her creative instincts. This push out of her comfort zone allows her artistry to truly blossom.