A little more about Michael

Michael Perks is becoming a renowned name when it comes to awe-inspiring metal work.  His artwork has been characterized as “spectacular”, “cheerful” and “uniquely Albertan”.   He has been dedicated to creating fine art since 2007 and now has pieces gracing collections all over the World.  Locally he has numerous large public art statues and murals all over Alberta ranging from Calgary to Banff to Nanton. Using sheets of steel and aluminum Michael cuts, layers, bends and welds metal to the verge of his imagination.  In the process he has developed several new techniques from his characteristic mountain profiles with detailed cut-outs, to elaborate grinding to watercolor-like paintings in the metal.  His bold use of color saturated into the metal is unique to him and won him a 'Best In Show' buckle at the Calgary Stampede.

“I like to think my primary objective with all my art is to make people smile. I love to create art that is interesting, intricate and perhaps a little whimsical. My background is that I am a Red Seal Millwright and have held various positions at Lake Louise Ski Hill for over 25 years.  My love of mountains, sport and Alberta western culture inspire me daily to create pieces that cause people to stop and utter ‘Wow!'

With years of millwrighting, welding and snowmaking in the ski industry Michael became know for his ability to fix large-scale, obscure problems with innovative inventions of his own making.  This ability to think differently, create with his own hands & work with huge objects can be seen in his art.  Michael's statues range from small & delicate to large monstrosities that take four men to lift.  Michael is now co-owner of Little Monkey Metalworks, a large-scale plasma art company that specializes in decorative railings, elaborate fire pits, artistic signs & other custom metal works.

This year, Michael will be showing his new art for the year at the Fine Art & Fine Spirits Art Show at Carter Cadillac; June 1-3.  From there he will be at the Pure West Auction June 11th.  After that the full collection will be display at the Calgary Stampede Art Show.  So, if you want to see what’s new you have to head down to Stampede!  Otherwise check out his dedicated gallery at his workshop outside Okotoks.

Awards

  • Best Artisan Welder, Canadian Business Awards 2018
  • Best In Show 3D, Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction 2015 (First time steel beats bronze!)
  • Feature Alumni, SAIT Centennial Gala 2016
  • Best In Show Artisan, Calgary Stampede Western Art Show 2013
  • Feature Artist, STARS & Spurs Gala, Calgary 2012
  • Best New Artist, Calgary Stampede Western Art Show 2011
  • Award of Excellence, Millarville Fair 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016

Major Works by Michael

  • Strathcona Tweedsmuir School - Land Acknowledgement statue; 9ft tall x 4ft x 4ft; to be installed May 2022
  • Millarville Race Track - Legacy Mural + two statues of horses; 32ft long x 10ft tall; unveiled Aug 2021
  • Nanton Memorial Mural - Double sided, free-standing landscape mural with dedicated space for plaques to be added below; 16ft wide x 12ft tall; July 2021
  • Canmore VUE Luxury Apartments - Giant set of sunglasses as an interactive statue; 16ft long x 14ft wide x 4ft tall; installed & unveiled Aug/Sept 2021
  • SAIT Polytech Institute - CATALYST; Centennial project 22ft diameter x 16ft deep; 12,000lbs of steel; unveiled June 2017
  • Town of Cochrane - Multi-panel mural; 40ft long x 7ft tall; March 2017.
  • Seaman Sports Park - Giant sports park signage; 24ft wide x 14 ft tall; May 2017.
  • Sunwest Aviation  – ‘Origin of Flight’. Interior lobby statue.  Replica of a Learjet made from cut-out of birds.  (5ft x 8ft x 6ft)
  • Town of Carseland – Commissioned outdoor statue for new park.  Seven fish jumping from waves. (18ft x 6ft x 4ft)
  • Town of Cochrane   - Commissioned artwork and fabrication for metal banners; 108 total.  Banners displayed around town.
  • Lake Chaparral – Commissioned Decorative Recycling Centers; public art meets function.  Twelve outdoor two-piece recycling bins with custom plasma art.
  • Calgary Stampede  – ’The Partnership’.  Primary sponsor awards, 31 steel and stone statues.  (14” x 10” x 8”)
  • Calgary Stampede, Ranahan's – Outdoor artistic railings with custom artwork.  (60ft).
  • STARS & Spurs PSAC Gala  – Feature Artist; Supplied 150 table center pieces titled 'The Companion' and a live auction piece.  Combined raised over $30,000 for STARS.
  • West Canadian Print & Design - ‘Prime Meridian’.  Commissioned outdoor street-side statue.  (12ft x 8ft x 8ft)
  • Inglewood BRZ  - Commissioned Decorative Recycling Centers; public art meets function.  Twenty outdoor three-piece cycling bins with custom plasma art.
  • Watermark Plaza  – Art meets function in decorative fire pit statue shaped like twigs over an open fire.  (8ft x 8ft)
  • Ronald McDonald House  – Commissioned Mother Bear; Outdoor garden statue.  (5ft x 4ft x 3”)
  • Travel Alberta – Crusader Award: ‘Alberta Steel’.  Steel statue of a grizzle bear.  (14” x 10” x 6”). 
  • Travel Alberta – Alberta Media Awards: framed art pieces and statues for N.America Travel Media Awards.

Private Commissions  – Dozens of private commissions for collectors; includes mountain scenes and statues