>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

TRYING IT OUT: Carol Weaver, wife of Valley Bronze worker David Weaver, climbs the ornate staircase her hu band helped build. Other Valley Bronze workers involved in the project included Project Supervisor Kent Weaver, Christopher Asbell, Sam Rickert and Douglas Smith. - Submitted photos

The highlight of Valley Bronze’s work was the building of two spiral staircases in the new House and Senate expansion. The expansion project was the largest in the Capitol’s history.

“It is with great pride that we recognize those who have shown their work to be truly outstanding among the many nominations for this esteemed honor,” said the WBC in its award letter. “The skill of the craftsmen involved with your entry exemplifies the high standards upon which the Craftsmanship Awards program was established.

Valley Bronze employees Kent Weaver, Christopher Asbell, Sam Rickert and Douglas Smith received certificates of merit for their work on the project.

Washington’s Building Congress honors excellence in skill, achievement and craftsmanship and considered 287 nominations in 10 categories, including metals, which Valley Bronze won.

award winner: Joseph-based Valley Bronze of Oregon won a prestigious craftsmanship award for work on a double set of staircases. - Submitted photos

A banquet honoring the winners will be held in Washington, D.C., March 14.

Valley Bronze of Oregon has been in continuous production at its foundry facility in Joseph, Oregon since 1982.

Starting as a small bronze art casting facility serving local artists with less than a dozen employees, the company soon expanded as it began to take on larger, more demanding and complex sculptural projects.

A monument facility was added in 1987, with the extra space, ceiling height and equipment to accommodate sculptures weighing thousands of pounds.