Monte's Vision
Monte de Gallo standing with our first Elephant (Kenya 2012)
I've always been an artist with many mediums. From clothing design, to model cars, to landscape drawings and mythical creatures, to music videos, to performance art, to jewelry design - My love has always been to build and create.
I started dabbling with sculpture and while I was traveling on safari in Africa, I discovered some rudimentary metal artwork that sparked my imagination. I connected with some local metal artists in Kenya and together we were inspired to create these life-size steel sculptures of magnificent animals. It has been a journey that started in 2012 and from the first creations ( pictured at right)... we have come a long way to creating spectacular pieces of art that has captured the spirit of the animals we create. Now... People around the world can enjoy these animal's beauty without seeing them downtrodden in captivity.
Enchanted by this vision I sought to not only create 2 or 3 steel sculptures - but a company that designs and manufactures 1,000's of the most stunning and spectacular works of art - EACH one that is unique with it's own personality, name, and soul. Just like You & Your Neighbor - No 2 pieces are alike!
I grew up in Gela, Sicily, Italy and in Peoria, Illinois, USA. In addition to the English language, I speak fluent Italian and I learned basic Swahili while living in Kenya with my family. Anyone who buys one of the large sculptures is automatically invited to visit me in Kenya! I'll show you all of the good spots, and all of the spots to avoid... I spend alot of time there overseeing operations!
How Do We Do It?
Every design starts with building a wire frame from recycled metal. We sustainably harvest scrap steel and metal - many of which are old discarded steel drums. We then sort, cut, and hand weld each section of metal (the skin of the animal sculpture). Each piece of the steel animal sculpture is hand pounded with 16 gauge steel to give it a unique look and durability. We then bring all of the sculptures to the United States for final assembly, finishing, and finesse - where we grind a unique pattern, apply a patina design to the exterior, and spray it with industrial clear coat material so that it will hold up to the elements. If the steel animal sculptures are displayed outside, it should withstand the elements for a minimum of 10 to 15 years before maintenance work will need to be done (mainly sanding and grinding it again, reapplying the patina, and reapplying the industrial clearcoat). We employ 16 artisans, weldors, and craftsmen in Kenya and the United States. We directly support the livelihood of 52 people in Kenya and dozens more in East Africa through our support of World Vision International https://www.wvi.org/
These magnificent creatures will come to life and impress everyone who sees them in your own backyard sculpture garden, vineyard, corporate setting, foyer, venue, museum, veterinary hospital or office, municipal zoo, hotel sculpture, professional office or otherwise. We will deliver worldwide (for international orders outside of the continental United States - please contact our office)
Many Thanks,
Monte de Gallo
I started dabbling with sculpture and while I was traveling on safari in Africa, I discovered some rudimentary metal artwork that sparked my imagination. I connected with some local metal artists in Kenya and together we were inspired to create these life-size steel sculptures of magnificent animals. It has been a journey that started in 2012 and from the first creations ( pictured at right)... we have come a long way to creating spectacular pieces of art that has captured the spirit of the animals we create. Now... People around the world can enjoy these animal's beauty without seeing them downtrodden in captivity.
Enchanted by this vision I sought to not only create 2 or 3 steel sculptures - but a company that designs and manufactures 1,000's of the most stunning and spectacular works of art - EACH one that is unique with it's own personality, name, and soul. Just like You & Your Neighbor - No 2 pieces are alike!
I grew up in Gela, Sicily, Italy and in Peoria, Illinois, USA. In addition to the English language, I speak fluent Italian and I learned basic Swahili while living in Kenya with my family. Anyone who buys one of the large sculptures is automatically invited to visit me in Kenya! I'll show you all of the good spots, and all of the spots to avoid... I spend alot of time there overseeing operations!
How Do We Do It?
Every design starts with building a wire frame from recycled metal. We sustainably harvest scrap steel and metal - many of which are old discarded steel drums. We then sort, cut, and hand weld each section of metal (the skin of the animal sculpture). Each piece of the steel animal sculpture is hand pounded with 16 gauge steel to give it a unique look and durability. We then bring all of the sculptures to the United States for final assembly, finishing, and finesse - where we grind a unique pattern, apply a patina design to the exterior, and spray it with industrial clear coat material so that it will hold up to the elements. If the steel animal sculptures are displayed outside, it should withstand the elements for a minimum of 10 to 15 years before maintenance work will need to be done (mainly sanding and grinding it again, reapplying the patina, and reapplying the industrial clearcoat). We employ 16 artisans, weldors, and craftsmen in Kenya and the United States. We directly support the livelihood of 52 people in Kenya and dozens more in East Africa through our support of World Vision International https://www.wvi.org/
These magnificent creatures will come to life and impress everyone who sees them in your own backyard sculpture garden, vineyard, corporate setting, foyer, venue, museum, veterinary hospital or office, municipal zoo, hotel sculpture, professional office or otherwise. We will deliver worldwide (for international orders outside of the continental United States - please contact our office)
Many Thanks,
Monte de Gallo
~Grab the Bull by the Horns!
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We Proudly Support World Vision International wvi.org
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Mariel Riding Bill the Buffalo!
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Monte de Gallo & Fans!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Purchasing Life Size Steel Animal Sculptures Designed by Monte de Gallo
FAQ's www.SculpturesByMonte.com
- How long does it take to receive my Spectacular Steel Animal Sculpture? Unless noted on our SHOP NOW Store, all products listed are IN STOCK. In stock animal statues and sculptures will ship within 7 to 10 days of placing an order, and will arrive at your door in a custom wooden crate or hand delivered by our team of white-glove handlers within 2 to 3 weeks of ordering.
- Is Shipping Included in the BUY NOW Price? Yes, shipping to your door of the sculpture / white-glove delivery IS INCLUDED for all orders up to 400 miles of Peoria, Illinois, USA. We will provide you with a $500 credit toward your shipping costs if the necessary delivery is beyond 400 miles of Peoria, Illionois, USA. All pick-up orders will be granted a $1,500 discount OFF of your entire order.
- Is Installation Included in the BUY NOW Price? Installation is NOT included. Please Contact Us for Custom Installation or Stone Pedestal Upgrades.
- Am I able to pay 50% Now and Then 50% upon Delivery? Most likely, the answer is YES... however, you must Contact Us first for approval. If approved, we will Email you an Invoice of 50% and we will commence delivery within 1 week of receiving a 50% deposit.
- What if I'm NOT happy with the Final Product? These are custom made pieces, that are all unique. This is hand crafted, one-of-a-kind, artwork. This is hand welded, hand pounded, hand finished steel and paints, and patinas. No 2 are alike. Yes, they are very similar to the item photo that you purchased, however, the length, width, heighth, color, finishing, etc WILL BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT than the photo you fantasized about about and eventually purchased. There are NO RETURNS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. HOWEVER.....
- If you are NOT SATISFIED with your purchase. Then we will continue working until you are satisfied. That is our SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! Maybe there is a spot that you want lightened or darkened or slightly modified... We will finesse and embellish the final sculpture to your liking. NOTE: We reserve the right to finish the product as we see fit - of course - we want you to be happy and will make sure that it fits your environment and decor. Furthermore... we will make sure that it enhances your surroundings!
- Single Point of Contact. We are NOT a huge, faceless, heartless corporation. We are a small company with the face of hope and progress, and a heart as warm as your fire! We will never give you the run-around. You can always call me directly if you have a problem. And I will do my absolute best to help meet your needs! Life is too short to have enemies! ~Pace e bene! Salute per sempre! ~ Monte