This time last year I bought a rocket ship. A big, old-timey looking rocket ship that now sits in my garden and makes me happy every time I look at it. Shortly after I bought it, I spotted a similar one for more than $15K in a gallery in New Orleans. Mine cost nowhere near that, and it helped benefit the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). (And, frankly, mine is much cooler than the one in New Orleans.)

Where did I find this treasure? It was made by Andrew Sandstedt of Artistic Design Services for the 2013 Old Town Scrapfest festival. You have the opportunity to buy your own version of the rocket ship — maybe an electric guitar, a pink ribbon, or an abstract piece — at this year’s event.

What is Scrapfest? Teams or individuals spend two weeks making sculptures out of up to 500 lbs. of scrap metal they collect at Friedland Industries’ scrap facility. This is the sixth year of the festival, and every year I am impressed and delighted by the talent and imagination of the teams. There is a competitive element to the festival; as an attendee you’ll have a chance to vote on your favorite piece. Artists have made everything from Star Wars-themed ships to backyard furniture. I took a sneak peek at this year’s sculptures as they were setting up earlier today, and they are outstanding. (An adorable and slightly creepy bug might have to come home with me.)

Sculptures are on display and auctioned off during the Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun. The proceeds are split between the artist and the OTCA, to be used for the ongoing improvement of Old Town.

The festivals take place this year on June 20–21, 2014, in Cesar Chavez Plaza, at the intersection of Turner St. and Grand River Ave. in Lansing’s Old Town. Bidding will start at 7:00 p.m. on June 21.

This year, you can bid online if you can’t be there in person. Even with the added competition, these one-of-a-kind sculptures are sure to be a steal worth far more than their auction price.

If the sculptures are too rich for your blood, you have the opportunity to purchase “Scrapfest baubles” on-site at the festival — small items, including jewelry and magnets, made by local artists using the same Friedland scrap materials that are used for the large sculptures. Sales benefit local artistic endeavors. Pictured above is an afternoon’s work worth of “baubles.”

Where else are you going to find a fire pit this awesome?

Creative sculptures can be yours!