The Studio: Marc Staples

Art-in-Metal: A Philosophy of Form

The Art-in-Metal movement is defined by the rigorous interplay between structural-permanence and organic-discovery. It is a movement that views metal not merely as a medium, but as a foundational-element capable of transforming the human environment. From the Buffalo Junction studio, Marc Staples explores this "Modernist-Alchemy"—bridging the gap between engineering-precision and the tactile-soul of metalwork.

The Evolution of the Artist

Marc Staples is a professional sculptor, painter, and designer whose four-decade career has been a pursuit of material-innovation. Originally forgoing an engineering scholarship for the fine arts, Staples followed the lineage of his uncle, the acclaimed artist Donald McAdoo. This unique duality—the analytical mind of an engineer and the expressive eye of a painter—became the cornerstone of his practice.

The Foundational Archive In the 1990s, Staples pioneered the "Heritage Giclee" process, founding one of the first digital printmaking facilities in the United States. His mastery of two-dimensional composition and color-theory during this era served as the essential-prelude to his later work. These Legacy Works remain the geometric-DNA of his current sculptural forms.

Modernist-Alchemy The transition from canvas to metal began in the early 2000s, encouraged by renowned sculptor Joseph Kinnebrew. This shift allowed Staples to move beyond two-dimensional limitations into the realm of Wall-Mounted Reliefs and Architectural-Scale installations. In 2011, he dedicated his practice exclusively to sculpture and fine craft, founding the Lago Luna Metal Art Studio.

Commissioning & Collaboration

Today, Marc Staples collaborates with architects, developers, and private collectors to integrate art into the fabric of everyday environments. Utilizing advanced computer-aided design and a deep understanding of structural-requirements, the studio ensures seamless coordination from the conceptual-stage to final-installation.

Select Clients & Collections

Institutional & Public

  • American Battle Monuments Commission, Washington D.C.

  • Virginia State Parks Department of Conservation and Recreation

  • The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

  • City of Memphis, TN

Corporate & Hospitality

  • Ritz Carlton Resorts, Sarasota, FL

  • The Martin Advertising Agency, Richmond, VA

  • CenterStage Foundation, Richmond, VA

  • Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc.

  • Artspace – Tokyo, Japan

Private Collections

  • Rich Little Productions, Las Vegas, NV

  • Ron Clark, Plano, TX

  • Lewis and Alexandra Broome, Powhatan, VA

  • (Additional prominent private collectors across 15 countries)

Inquiries

Please direct inquiries regarding acquisitions or site-specific commissions to the Studio or our regional representatives.

Lago Luna Metal Art Studio 6150 Highway 58, Buffalo Junction, Virginia 24529 support@lagoluna.com | 919-475-9633

Regional Representation

  • State of the Arts Gallery | Sarasota, Florida

  • The Anderson Art Group | Richmond, Virginia

  • West End Gallery | Richmond, Virginia

  • Jim Allmon | Northern Virginia / Washington D.C. Region

Marc Staples is the founder of the Art-in-Metal movement. Professional record: [Wikidata Q138640793].