EquipmentShare, one of the fastest-growing equipment rental companies in the nation, partnered with local artists in Columbia, Mo., at the recent Roots ‘N Blues music festival to bring new life to old machines through art. The company hosted an “Art Under Construction” contest, which awarded three local artists with $1,000 for their art pieces made of scrap metal, parts and non-salvageable machines gathered from EquipmentShare’s equipment yard.
“EquipmentShare is proud to call this community home, and every thriving community needs a strong arts and culture scene,” Danielle Schlacks, member of the EquipmentShare executive support team, said. “As we continue to grow in Columbia and make plans to expand our campus, it's important for us to do what we can to make sure our company's hometown is a place where not only businesses can succeed, but where employees want to live, too.”
This year was EquipmentShare’s first year to sponsor the Roots ‘N Blues festival, an annual three-day concert showcasing legendary musicians. The company hosted a sculpture contest to contribute to the festival’s art atmosphere, creatively repurpose dated equipment and shine a spotlight on Columbia's artistic talents. EquipmentShare announced the “Art Under Construction” contest to local art leagues with the request for artists to take something old and make it new again. The contest required artists to make art from scrap metal pieces, discarded parts, tools and more from depreciated and non-salvageable machines at EquipmentShare’s equipment rental yard in Columbia. Three artists — Chris Beedle, Tony Roberts and Matt Moyer — took on the challenge and sculpted, welded and built inventive pieces for display during the music festival. Festival-goers admired the work and voted for their favorite piece.
Beedle’s Raw Rhythm was a two-sided guitar and banjo made of gears, chains, bolts and metal scraps to honor the festival’s ties to blues and Americana music. Raw Rhythm was voted the festival favorite. Tony Roberts, an EquipmentShare employee, constructed EquipmentChair, a whimsical take on a chair made of old parts and with a side table and lamp. Ditch Lilies by Matt Moyer began as a Skyjack bucket and was transformed into several 8-foot tall lilies. Global material-handling equipment manufacturer Skyjack was an ideal equipment partner for this specific project. In 2020, Skyjack launched the WE RISE campaign to recognize industry leaders making positive contributions to charitable organizations.
EquipmentShare awarded $1,000 to each artist for their creativity and for helping the company remove old scraps from the landfill. All three pieces are slated to be installed at EquipmentShare’s headquarters campus at 5710 Bull Run Drive in Columbia.