Local metal artist turns scraps into art

This story first appeared in the December 2024 issue of Prestige, a special section dedicated to telling the stories of Iowans over the age of 55.

An open area in his garage was the unexpected catalyst that turned John Kadlec into a local metal artist. The 71-year-old retiree personifies the concept of someone else’s trash being his treasure.

“When I closed my home photography business, I had some unused space in the garage. I had seen some recycled chain bicycles online that I thought I could make. I bought a welder and started to figure out how to weld the small chain together,” he said. “It just grew from there with everyone bringing me ‘thought you could use this’ items.”

For years Kadlec had worked in auto, semi repair, industrial maintenance and steel fabrication. So, he knows his way around parts. And still sees their value.

“I like being able to take other people’s throwaways and turn them into something that could make somebody smile or maybe even laugh out loud. That makes every project fun,” he said.

How does he turn metal pieces into artistic renderings?

“With welding, it’s always trial and error. There are so many tutorials on YouTube you can learn anything about what metals will weld and how hard are they to form. Using junk keeps it low cost,” he said.

Most of the materials Kadlec works with come from dumpsters and donations.

“Northtowne Schwinn and Briar Ridge Cycles have kindly kept me well supplied with worn out bike parts. I use a wire welder, plasma cutter, oxy/acetylene torch, small metal shear and roll, plus all the hand tools I’ve accumulated over the years. Some of my worn-out tools often end up in a creation too,” he said.

His creations take a few days to build, depending on their complexity and whether they are plain, painted or powder-coat finished.

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“Sometimes longer if I have to stare at it for a while looking for inspiration,” he said.

Kadlec’s hobby is now on display to the public thanks to the Czech Slovak Protective Society, or CSPS Hall, located at 1103 3rd Street SE in Cedar Rapids in the thriving arts and cultural area known as The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia. Kadlec had his first public show at the arts center this fall.

“The staff at CSPS was very supportive and helpful getting it all displayed and advertised. The compliments and questions at the show were very rewarding in themselves — 'How did you think of that? Can you make another one bigger/smaller? Will you come get the junk out my garage?’ It was a very interesting and gratifying show,” Kadlec said. “My ‘Donald the Dragon’ piece was purchased and is on display outside the CSPS entrance. That was quite an honor.”

The show at CSPS happened when a board member contacted Kadlec about a three-week gap they needed to fill in the big exhibition room.

“I had to scramble to build some more items and borrow a few things back from people. We had a good turnout for the opening, and I sold a number of items. I learned not to build things heavier than what I wanted to move,” he said.

CSPS presents up to 20 exhibitions annually, along with over 100 performing arts, educational and community events. The hall highlights artists across eastern and central Iowa in addition to spotlighting numerous works from countries worldwide.

Kadlec never makes the same thing twice.

“I sell some of the pieces, give away some, and also have donated some to fundraising auctions. I love getting requests for items,” he said. “I always tell people the item may not look exactly like another you saw because they’re all made from random junk, and no two are exactly alike.”

His only real problem that unexpectedly emerged — where to store all his art.

“Everything is built in my garage and driveway. There are pieces all over the house and around our yard making dusting and mowing a challenge,” Kadlec said. “After a few years of building stained glass and even more years of photographing people, this is one more way I’m leaving my small legacy. I’ll just keep on welding.”

Kadlec’s artwork can be found on Facebook, where he lists items on Marketplace. He can be reached by phone or email at (319) 551-9355 or kadlecphoto@gmail.com.