Not only are they chasing a 45’ dragon, Metal Museum staff metalsmiths - Jim Masterson, J.R. Lodico, and Adam Hawk - are modeling, hammering, and welding it into shape.

Commissioned by the Parents Association of Grahamwood Elementary School in Memphis, the copper dragon was installed in October. It is a collaborative venture.

Grahamwood students, under the direction of their art teacher, Ann Kling, made drawings of dragons, the school’s mascot. The elementary students used the technique of repousse to create designs on 1000 copper foil squares. Museum metalsmiths used the students’ dragon drawings to create a master drawing.

While J. R. models a half size dragon head in clay, Adam and Jim anneal the copper sheets which serve as the skin of the dragon. Jim fabricates and welds the skeleton of the creature.

Staff metalsmiths use techniques of chasing and repousse to create the dragon's head and form his skin from the copper sheets.

The 1000 scales designed by Grahamwood students cover the skin. The final step is the application of a green patina.

This wondrous mascot was installed near the ceiling of the school entry to greet the students and visitors. "Grammy" was unveiled for an overflow crowd at an open house in October.