Roanoke artist welds his way to FloydFest

Tay Whiteside, the owner of LiftArc Studios in Roanoke, is bringing his craftsmanship to the stage at this year's FloydFest. The festival organizers contacted his studio to design a custom art installation using reclaimed metal found on the festival grounds. Whiteside, who operates out of a warehouse near the Roanoke River, accepted the challenge to build a sign fitting inside a twelve-foot circular structure.

For Whiteside, metal is the primary medium for his creative work. He appreciates the physical process of using heat, force, and pressure to turn raw, unforgiving materials into finished products. The artist notes that he finds his motivation in the tactile nature of welding and construction.

FloydFest leadership sees this collaboration as a way to connect regional talent with a wider audience. With attendees traveling from dozens of states and multiple countries, the festival grounds serve as a showcase for local art from Southwest Virginia. Organizers aim to help regional creators reach new communities through this visibility.

This project is now an annual tradition for LiftArc Studios. Whiteside plans to build a new sign for each festival iteration based on that year's theme, while previous years' installations remain on the grounds permanently. For the artist, this ongoing commitment to his craft is what keeps him focused on his work every day.