John Marius and Champlain Metals
Where it started
My career in metal work began by fabricating a pedaled float for the band Phish. I made something we called the Millennium Cycle for their Big Cypress Show in 1999. Soon I was off making more floats: a pedaled pirate ship for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in 2000, and a pedaled chicken for the Rhode Island art car parade the same year.
The apprenticeship
Recognizing that I lacked many of the skills needed to be a proficient welder and fabricator, I found an amazing apprenticeship, which lasted four years, for Les Métalliers Champenois, in Paterson, New Jersey and two shops in France, Les Metaillier in Reims, and Jean Marc Schaffner’s shop in Strasbourg. This changed my life. During this time I got to work with the artist Jean Wiart, and the foreman Allen Lemur. There were so many great craftsmen working there at the time. Including Jacky Dupont, Sandy Lugo, Frank Chartrain, Philip Fiers, William Penney and many others coming from Germany, Lithuania, Albania, Russia, and Hungary. And then there were the many craftspeople I worked with in France!
Back to Vermont
Later I returned to Vermont to work on yet another Phish show in Coventry Vermont. Here I got to work with local Vermont builders and artists like Lars-Erik Fisk, Russ Bennett, Matt Penney, and John Bizbee. Lars and Matt invited me to work with them in their own shop on Pine St, in Burlington Vt. where I have been ever since. I made a fire escape here for Shadow and Light Design in 2004.
Builders and architects
Since then, I have had the great fortune to work here with superb contractors like Ric Santa Maria of Roundtree Construction, Tom LeBoeuf of Northeast Craftsmen Group, Nate Plash of Birdseye, Robert Purvee of Grant Builders. I have also had the opportunity to work with architects David Sellers of Seller Architects and Rolf Kielman of TruexCullins, and Brad Rabinowitz of Rabinowitz Architects.
Thank you
There are many others I would like to acknowledge whose support, encouragement, and contracts have helped me maintain a career here: Doreen Kraft, of BCA, Kat Clear, Karla Monkevich of KR+H Cabinet makers. Elijah Sproles, Kirk Williams, Kate Pond, Jeff Goldfield and Mike Diagle of Queen City Steel. And thank you to everyone who has ever come to party at our open studio event here every art hop. Thank you Burlington!!
The Work
Champlain Metals’ portfolio includes railings and handrails, stairs and stair components, forged architectural details, gates and garden metalwork, furniture and sculpture, and kitchen hoods and fireplace features. Browse completed pieces alongside workshop photographs to see how each one takes shape.
Public project credits include metalwork for Lawrence Ribbecke’s Wave Window and metal fittings and accessories for TruexCullins’ Ice Ark.
Mentors, Makers and Collaborators
The shops, studios, builders and architects John has learned from and built with.
Mentors and Fellow Makers
- Les Métalliers Champenois
Four-year apprenticeship - Schaffner
Apprenticeship shop, Strasbourg - Lars-Erik Fisk
Builder and artist - Russ Bennett
Builder
Architects and Arts Partners
- TruexCullins
Rolf Kielman, architect - Rabinowitz Architects
Brad Rabinowitz, architect - David Sellers
Architect - Burlington City Arts
Doreen Kraft
Builders and Contractors
- Roundtree Construction
Ric Santa Maria, contractor - Northeast Craftsmen Group
Tom LeBoeuf, contractor - Birdseye
Nate Plash, contractor - KR+H Cabinetmakers
Karla Monkevich
Artists and Suppliers
- Kate Pond
Sculptor - Kat Clear
Sculptor - Queen City Steel
Jeff Goldfield and Mike Diagle
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about John Marius, his work, and commissioning custom metalwork from Champlain Metals.
Who is John Marius?
John Marius is the founder and metalworker at Champlain Metals in Burlington, Vermont. He established the shop in 2004 and designs and fabricates custom structural and ornamental metalwork.
Where did John learn metalworking?
John’s work is rooted in traditions he learned in the New York metropolitan area and the Champagne and Alsatian regions of France. He trained with the artisans’ guild, the Compagnons du Devoir.
What does Champlain Metals make?
Champlain Metals makes custom railings and handrails, stairs and stair components, forged architectural details, gates and garden metalwork, furniture and sculpture, and kitchen hoods and fireplace features.
Does John work with architects, designers and builders?
Yes. Public project credits include metalwork for Lawrence Ribbecke’s Wave Window and metal fittings and accessories for TruexCullins’ Ice Ark. Contact John to discuss a collaboration.
How do I hire John for a metalwork project?
Call (802) 363-6094 or use the project form on the contact page. Include a short description, the project location, and any photographs, approximate measurements or drawings you already have.
Can John work from architectural drawings or plans?
Yes. Send drawings or plans with the project details, and John will review them with you.
How much does custom metalwork cost, and how long does it take?
Price and schedule depend on the project. Contact John with the scope and your desired timing to discuss an estimate.
Where is Champlain Metals based, and what area does it serve?
Champlain Metals is based in Burlington, Vermont, and serves the greater Champlain Valley region and beyond.
Discuss a Commission
Have a design, a drawing or an idea you want to explore? Tell John about the project’s purpose, location, materials and next steps.