jd designs
metalworks

   I grew up bouncing around city, farm and mountain life in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming.  In the spring of 2012 our family migrated to southern Minnesota in search of diversity in community, education, recreation and economy.

 

We are happy to declare that we found it all in Mankato!!!

​

Since 2019 I have focused primarily on public art and concept pieces.  I received the "INFUSE: Artists on Main Street" grant the first three years of its existence.  

 

All of the resulting projects are located in Mankato's City Center.        

 

To make metal signs, I create the digital cutting file (.dxf) which is then coded and read by a CNC "Computer Numerical Control" plasma or laser cutting machine.  A fabricator then cuts the file from sheet metal and forms or welds the final piece. Paint is applied by powder coating.​   

​

   I have worked with a number of fabricators, including:

 

• My dad: Don Preston of Lyman, Nebraska

• Arnie Lillo of Good Thunder, MN

• Jake Prchal of TNC Fabricating in New Prague, MN

• Doug & Monica Zrust (retired) of St. Peter, MN

​

   Current fabricators include:

​

• Danielle & Broc Brown of Eagle Metal Designs in Melbeta, Nebraska

• Dana & Justin of Dualway Metal Works in St. Peter, MN

​

I believe everyone should have hands-on projects.

From 2015 -2018 I worked with a fabulous group of volunteers establish the non-profit organization in charge of MANKATO MAKERSPACE. Get a tour and take a class today! 

Thank you for stopping by.

Stay curious!
-Julie Dempster