Troy craftsman creates art in metal

Sometimes, a person doesn’t discover a work passion until later in life.

After 25-plus years as a logger, Bill Merritt has found his niche by being, what he says is both an artist and a craftsman. 

After all those years in the forests, Merritt now draws much of his inspiration for his artwork from his time as a logger. As owner of Kootenai Valley Metal Works, Merritt’s creations vary in size from as small as a pair of women’s earrings to large, custom-made crafted metal wall hangings of deer, elk, bear, fish, moose and just about anything else. He also creates smaller, more intricate images such as the feather earrings, other jewelry,  key chains, key hangers and even candle holders.

“With the PlasmaCam and our benders and rollers, we can do just about anything,” Merritt said, standing in the small shop containing signs and other metal images.

“We do all sorts of custom work. I just had a guy bring me a photo of his car, and now we’re creating that image on something for him,” Merritt said. “The things we make last forever, too.”

Merritt fashions his artwork at Kootenai Valley Metal Works from the workshop located right next to his home, just west of Troy at 9677 Highway 2.

While he displays his work at his shop, he also makes it a habit to attend local craft shows and operates a booth annually at Logger Days.

Persons looking for examples of Merritt’s work should visit his Website at kvmetalworks.com, or just give him a call at 295-3804. 

“Our custom work is really something to see.”