I was asked to create a gateway entry arch for a new artisan market event held in downtown Prescott this June. It was to be an eye-catching feature to welcome people in, and illuminated at night (this was coupled with a beer and food-truck event that ran till 10 pm.)
Other than that, the parameters were pretty wide open – not always a good thing, but since I was creating this as a promotional piece for Anastasis, thus self-funding it, I had to keep the costs down. Of course, I wanted to utilize reclaimed material.
The arch was created from 2×2 deck balusters from two different sources, redwood and cedar. These were ripped lengthwise to produce slender sticks, which were attached together piece by piece with pneumatic finish nails. This created a surprisingly strong yet flexible and relatively lightweight and wind-resistant structure.

The bases are reclaimed wood, weighted with regional river rock and retained at the outer perimeter with a band of light-gauge steel. Six clear halogen bulbs provide internal illumination of the wooden “exploding matchbox” structure. The interior opening is 7′ x 7′; overall height is approximately 10 feet.
The arch was constructed fully outside my shop and transported whole (with the assistance of three other strong guys) on a trailer to and from the venue.
The arch is now in my yard, waiting its next public appearance. I am very willing to rent it out and transport it to and from an event in the Prescott area. Perhaps a couple with good taste in modern art and architecture will want it for a wedding? Alternately, I am also willing to sell it outright for a more permanent feature in a yard.
