Phyllis Eileen Banks is both writer and artist.Her articles have appeared in Southern New Mexico Magazine, FYI, Vision Magazine, Roswell Daily Record, New Mexico Magazine, Ranger Rick, Concern, Anchorage Daily News, and other periodicals. In addition, with Cynthia Smith she authored The Anchorage Fun Book.
Much of her experience has been as an editor.Her editorial experience includes The Alaska Presbyterian, The Alaska Heart, newsletter of the Alaska Heart Association, the book COCAHINIA (Consultation on Church and Human Need in Alaska), and Roaming Southern New Mexico.
"I have invisible antennae that 'vibrate' when something doesn't seem right.Of course editing someone else's work is easier than editing one's own," she says.
People stories, historical pieces, and travel writing are her favorites.She and her husband, Hal, moved to New Mexico from Alaska.
"New Mexico has some of the same mystic of Alaska – wide open spaces, different cultures.The transition was easy," says Eileen."It is truly The Land of Enchantment and no matter where you reside you carry it with you."
Phone:727-544-3713
Westcraft Metal Arts of Tatum
By Phyllis Eileen Banks
 Courtesy photo |
Whether you approach Tatum, New Mexico from east, west, north or south you immediately notice the artistic metal signs on ranches, businesses and street signs. Each of them is a product of Westcraft Metal Arts, a three-generation family-owned business. The street signs were a gift to the City of Tatum. O. J. Welch, known as Tiny, began the business as a hobby twenty-seven years ago when he retired from being a school teacher and minister. His son Jerrell joined him in 1982. “Tex” is his nickname and his motto is “When God gives you talent, use it, don’t lose it.” And he has been using his artistic talent in designing metal art since joining his father. Then in 1994 his son Ron became a part of the team. Ron’s wife Sherry operates the front, the customer service area. |
Their list of clients is long and varied. They have been commissioned by the New Mexico Arts Division for Art in Public Places in Eunice, Tatum and Roswell, to name a few. Warner Brothers is a client, and they have shipped their metal art to all fifty states.
Cut from 3/16, 1/4 or ten gauge sheet metal, acetylene cutting torches are used to create the design. From small items like boot brushes @ $37.50, humming bird feeder/plant hangers @ $29.95 to weathervanes 3'x2'x15" (ranging in price from $149.95 to $189.95) to life-size silhouettes with starting prices at $500, all items are custom made. The customer may provide Tex with a drawing, or he will make the design.
|
Letter/napkin holders, bookends, wind chimes, rain gauges, paper towel holders, hanging signs, mail box toppers and small yard signs are just a few of the smaller items available. Ranch prices average $75 per foot. City signs, school signs, church signs, logos show up in a variety of locations. Muleshoe Roping Club, “Dusty Rhodes Arena;” Turkey, Texas “Home of Bob Wills;” Welcome to Plains, “Home of the Cowboys Cowgirls” represent some of their metal art. |
 Courtesy photo |
Torchart in which metal is colored is one of the finishes used. Powder coating is a special finish for outdoors that is very durable. There is a wide choice of subject matter from deer, elk, bear, rabbits, coyotes, squirrels, moose, antelope, all kinds of fish, eagles or ducks. Or if you want western, there are cowboys, ropers, windmills, cattle or horses. In the sports genre, there are golfers, hunters or ball players. Southwestern is your forte? Then there are coyotes, Kokopelli, fettish bear, Zia or geckos. Pets include dogs, cats, pigs, or sheep. Scenery of flowers and trees and an alien or two, if you desire. Metal work is used in interior decoration also. All work is custom. If you come up with an idea, they can put it in metal.
In addition to their Tatum location (five blocks west of the light says their sign and across the street from Burger Barn), they have a store in Ruidoso at Sudderth and Mechem in the Postal Annex.
Shipping is done via UPS, U.S.P.S. or truck line. Hours are eight to five, Monday through Saturday. After hours and Sundays are by appointment. Telephone 505-398-5295; FAX 505-398-9296; email: westcraft@leaconet.com; website: www.westcraft.com, or mail P.O. Box 308, Tatum NM 88267 (500 W. Broadway).