He admits, however, that he may go
out looking for a particular item but will
often see something else that captures his
attention and sparks his imagination. “It’s
usually something other people would
pass by, and I can spot it from two fields
away,” he says. He’s learned to say no to
people offering him scrap or other items,
discovering it’s better to control the
creative process—from material selection
to completion—on his own.
“Art is definitely hard work,” Everhart
says. “When I left Erie Steel, I took a
good work ethic with me. I get up early
and start early. Every day I give myself a
pep talk—the boss’s voice inside me says
to get it done. It’s amazing how much a
person can accomplish in one day.”
Even when between projects, Everhart
stays focused — getting ahead by
collecting materials and completing
routine tasks.
“I could get a call tomorrow and then
be very busy, so I know I have to do it
today,” he explains. “The quote, ‘If you
build it, they will come,’ from the movie
‘Field of Dreams,’ is very true.”
THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
For Everhart, collecting metal, wood
and other items for his art is “a huge
sport” in itself. “I’m always looking, but I
have to use self-control,” he says.
Everhart explains that there are
“mountains” of discarded materials
everywhere, and people usually tell him
to take whatever he likes. He’s learned to
be discerning over nearly 20 years as a
full-time artist, evaluating materials based
on whether they’ll provide the results he
and his patrons are looking for.
EVERY WORK—UNIQUE, DETAILED
AND EXPERTLY CRAFTED
If you commission work from
Everhart, don’t expect an exact replica.
Every piece is unique and, although made
from metal with highly detailed edges,
every piece is touchable.
“That’s a pet peeve of mine. It takes a
long time, but I make sure all the edges
are smooth,” he says.
A great example is his most popular
piece—a metal cutout in the shape of
Presque Isle, which was his mother’s idea.
Although intricate, each edge is smooth
to the touch. The Presque Isle cutout is
so finely crafted, the City of Erie chose
it as a gift for sister city Zibo, Shandong
Province, China. In addition, the metal
“It’s a mission
of mine to
encourage
people to invent
things.”
cutouts are on display at Presque Isle
Gallery & Gifts at the Tom Ridge
Environmental Center, where proceeds
from sales support the activities of the
Presque Isle Partnership.
KEEPING THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE
Everhart, who works independently,
keeps a healthy perspective by
maintaining friendships, engaging with
the community and volunteering with an
adaptive ice skating program for kids.
He takes the opportunity to share
information about his art, especially with
the children he meets.
“When I was a kid, my mom took me
places that made a big impression on me.
When kids visit here, I give them a small
token, like the marble from a spray-paint
can. I hope it gets them thinking about
how to use items we typically throw
away.”
After two decades, Everhart’s influence
is felt. Some of the people he has helped
or mentored through the years have
launched their own artistic careers.
He’s even heard from people he doesn’t
remember meeting who were inspired by
his work and took steps to follow their
dreams.
“It’s a mission of mine to plant seeds,
to encourage people to invent things,”
Everhart says. He understands that
people may be afraid to try or may
be too comfortable in their current
circumstances to take risks. To those
who have ideas, but haven’t made
them a reality, Everhart offers this
encouragement: “You can do something.
Don’t make excuses. Wake up early and
work hard. Be brave and follow through.
Get it done.”
For a look at Evan Everhart’s portfolio,
or to contact him, visit evaneverhart.com.
MILLCREEK
❘
WINTER 2018
37
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