Toby Gewertz wants to make metalwork that will stand the test of time and so makes sure that he and his company, Metalformz, only use the best of materials.
Napa sculptor makes works meant to last
By MAUREEN MCCABE Register Correspondent
Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 12:00 amIn this plastic, throw-away culture, where obsolescence is built into almost every mass-produced item, Toby Gewertz who sticks with material that will last.
Using stainless steel, bronze, copper, aluminum and titanium, Gewertz designs and constructs signs, sculptures, railings and doors, among other items, for commercial and residential clients.
Local restaurants call on his company, Metalformz, for signage and decorative pieces.
Gewertz crafted the carrot fence at First Squeeze, as well as the medieval Gothic art at the former Belle Arti on the creek in Napa, now the Little Gourmet.
Although the restaurant has been through several owners, all have kept Gewertz’s candleholders and partitions for the breezeway and counter top.
He’s also done Celadon’s signs, the door handles and liquor display racks at Fumé, the sign and interior metalwork at the old Piatti restaurant in Yountville, and the old Brix restaurant’s sign plus indoor railings and coffee tables.
