Custom Sculpture Mold of Blazer the Walking Black Bear by Metropolitan Galleries Inc

Nestled amidst the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, a breathtaking landscape teeming with natural wonders, it is no surprise to encounter graceful deer and even the occasional majestic bear. However, amidst this wild beauty, there is one bear that possesses a unique allure—a captivating presence that captures the hearts of all who encounter him. Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to Blazer, the extraordinary gentle black bear who roams these mountains with an enchanting grace.

Metropolitan Galleries, renowned for their artistic prowess, received a special request from the esteemed North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Their vision was to create a bronze sculpture that immortalizes Blazer’s gentle stride, and to place it at a new welcome center near the North Carolina and Tennessee state border. Blazer, a bear of distinction, was named in honor of one of the esteemed contributors to the welcome center. Positioned amidst the carefully manicured landscaping, nestled by a cascading rock waterfall, this remarkable sculpture evokes a sense of harmony and serenity.

Blazer’s charm extends beyond his physical form. A touch of personalized detail graces this magnificent sculpture. Etched delicately onto his left rear leg, you will find his name—an enduring tribute to his significance and the heartfelt gratitude of those who admire him. With a countenance that exudes warmth and kindness, Blazer’s sweet face beckons with a magnetic pull—one that may evoke an overwhelming desire to embrace this gentle soul.

As you embark on your journey to the welcoming embrace of the new center, be prepared for a sight that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark upon your soul. Blazer, the walking black bear, stands as a testament to the wild majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the enduring bond between humans and nature. So, as you approach this magnificent bronze sculpture, allow yourself to be captivated by its intricate details, its silent grace, and the overwhelming desire to reach out and embrace the spirit of Blazer—the embodiment of nature’s gentle strength.


Metropolitan Galleries, renowned for their unparalleled ability to bring artistic visions to life, was approached by a creative development team working on an exciting Astronaut camp in Florida. The team sought to create an immersive experience for camp attendees, and a key component of their vision was a captivating walking boy bronze sculpture to be prominently displayed within the facility’s Astronaut exhibit. Metropolitan Galleries enthusiastically embarked on the mission to bring this vision to fruition, infusing the sculpture with a sense of wonder and discovery.

Translating Vision into Reality: The process began with the collaboration between the development team and Metropolitan Galleries’ talented portraiture artist. With careful attention to detail, the artist meticulously drew out the desired concept for the walking boy sculpture, capturing his posture, facial features, and even the texture of his hair. These drawings served as the blueprint, breathing life into the vision and providing a tangible framework for the sculpture’s creation.

From Concept to Clay: With the drawings finalized, the production of the walking boy sculpture commenced by shaping a clay mold that would serve as the foundation for the bronze casting process. The clay mold allowed for the exploration and refinement of the sculpture’s form and provided an opportunity for adjustments to be made before transitioning to the final stages of production. Throughout this phase, Metropolitan Galleries’ artisans meticulously sculpted and refined every detail, capturing the essence and spirit of the walking boy.

The Timeless Art of Lost Wax Bronze Casting: The walking boy bronze sculpture truly came to life through the ancient and revered method of lost wax bronze casting. This intricate and time-honored process involved creating a detailed wax replica of the sculpture, encasing it in a mold, and then removing the wax through a careful heating process. Once the wax was removed, molten bronze was poured into the cavity, taking on the intricate details and characteristics of the original sculpture. The casting process ensured the preservation of every nuance, providing a permanent embodiment of the walking boy’s posture and expression.

Bringing the Sculpture to Life: After the completion of the casting process, the walking boy sculpture entered its final phase of refinement. The artisans at Metropolitan Galleries meticulously applied the final finish, also known as the patina, to the sculpture. Using an open flame, the patina was fired into the bronze, enhancing the sculpture’s surface with a medium-brown hue. This finishing touch not only added depth and character but also served to protect and preserve the sculpture, ensuring its longevity and beauty for generations to come.

Inspiring Exploration and Discovery: The walking boy bronze sculpture, adorned with its captivating medium-brown patina, now stands as a symbol of exploration and discovery within the Astronaut camp. With every step, the sculpture invites camp attendees to imagine the possibilities and embark on their own journey of wonder. Its presence within the Astronaut exhibit fosters a sense of inspiration and ignites a curiosity about the vast realms of space and the wonders that await.

Metropolitan Galleries’ collaboration with the creative development team resulted in the creation of an awe-inspiring walking boy bronze sculpture for the Astronaut camp in Florida. From the initial concept drawings to the meticulous clay mold and the ancient process of lost wax bronze casting, every step was taken to ensure that the sculpture embodies the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. As the walking boy sculpture graces the camp, it serves as a reminder to all who encounter it of the infinite possibilities that lie within the realm of discovery.

Witness the transformative power of art and imagination at the Astronaut camp, where the walking boy bronze sculpture inspires young explorers to reach for the stars and embark on their own cosmic adventures.