TOTALLY METAL. Kate McLean, owner of Fillmore Spaces Metalwork and Design, recently opened her own studio.

Fillmore Spaces Metalwork and Design, owned and operated by local artist Kate McLean, offers distinctive metalwork designed to cater to the tastes of those who enjoy something different from what you may find in a department store. Each piece is handmade in Eau Claire, and thanks to a recent move, there is – literally – more space to create.

This past summer, McLean set up shop within Eau Claire Custom Stone (3007 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire). Eau Claire Custom Stone’s owner, Luke Dillaman, and McLean have worked on projects together for several years. “I admire his craftsmanship and the way he conducts his business,” McLean said. “I’m so thankful for the kindness from him and his wife, Rachael Dillaman, in offering the use of part of the building.”

During the height of the pandemic, McLean worked out of her garage. Much of her past work has been dark and jagged, but with the recent change in scenery, she anticipates a much more soft and sleek look to her upcoming pieces. “My work is inspired by finding a light in the darkness,” McLean said. “When all the lights go out and there is nowhere else to go, I find that one spark to be thankful for.” As she enters this new season, McLean is inspired by the one true constant in life – change.

McLean says the space she works in now is set up more like a welding shop than a studio. “It will take some time for me to get settled and find a place for everything here,” McLean said.

To make it feel more like her own, McLean plays music while she works. “If you ever stop in unannounced (which is welcomed), you might find me singing off-key and dancing around,” McLean said. “I find music to be a release, it helps me focus and have fun while I create.”

As a woman in the trades, McLean considers herself blessed to have received an outpouring of kindness and support from her employees, clients, business partners, suppliers, friends, family, and other business owners throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and all over the country.

McLean sells available inventory through walk-ins and accepts custom metalwork requests through her website. Her work is also available at Down to Earth Garden Center, Suites 427, Saylon Seven, Saxy Salon, The Eau Claire Refillery, Two Redheads and a Wolf in Hudson, Gallery 1802 in La Crosse, and The Juggery located in Collective Charm in Chippewa Falls.

For wholesale business inquiries, business hours, or additional information, head to the Fillmore Spaces website. Check out the Fillmore Spaces Instagram.