The Man Who Hung the Moon
Just back from Viet Nam, Rex Morton began college on the GI Bill. His plans were to become a painter, but while in college, he took a metal sculpture class. He never painted again.
Silver Dollar City invited Rex to demonstrate at the Festival of American Music and Crafts in 1980. When he came to Missouri, liked it and decided to make this state his home. Rex began looking forward to the festival every fall.
“It was the only festival where I could demonstrate, and I always learn so much from other demonstrating craftsmen. You take a little from this person and a little from that person, add it together with what you know, and all of the sudden you’re doing something totally different.”
Watch coppersmith Rex Morton at work in his Silver Dollar City shop.
Rex met his wife Marsha at Silver Dollar City where she was working at the time. Today Rex and Marsha design and create copper pieces. They opened Mission Metal at Silver Dollar City in 2006.
In addition to practical items such as measuring spoons, bird feeders, and his signature moon shaped oil lamp. He’s beginning to spend more time creating decorative artwork, likethe lifelike sculptures of crappie in a natural setting.
For a couple of years, I’ve been tempted by the copper moon sculpture, but could not decide which one I wanted. Every moon is different, so when I finally decided to buy one, the choice was hard. Every work of art varies and that man in the moon has a different face and personality with each copper creation.
For more information about Silver Dollar City click here or phone: 800-831-4FUN.
Rex Morton will be on site during all the festivals.
More to enjoy this fall at Silver Dollar City:
Festivals through out the 2012 season
World-Fest
April 12 – May 6, 2012
Bluegrass and BBQ Festival
May 10 – June 3, 2012
National KidsFest
June 9 – July 22, 2012
Southern Gospel Picnic
August 24 – September 3, 2012
National Harvest Festival
September 13 – October 27, 2012
- You may also like these Striped Pot Stories by Patsy Bell Hobson:
For more information: Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor Welcome Center . Welcome Center is at the intersection of U.S. 65 and Highway 248 (Red Route). Make this you first stop in Branson for friendly faces, free maps, brochures, Branson Vacation Guides, coffee and clean restrooms.
Can you tell me how to contact Rex Morton, coppersmith?