Carl Nielbock

European Master Craftsman + C.A.N. Art Handworks Inc.

Panelist - 10:45am, Wednesday, April 6th – UPSTARTS! Supporting Individual Creative Practitioners

Carl A. Nielbock was born in 1959 in Celle, Germany, where he began studying the art of ornamental metal and its fabrication at age 14. He came to the United States at age 24 and settled in Detroit, where he has remained ever since. Today Mr. Nielbock, founder and proprietor of C. A. N. Art Handworks, is a valuable international resource in Old World craftsmanship. Mr. Nielbock dedicates his career to the centuries-old tradition of Ornamental Metal handcrafting. He and his apprentices have been performing historical restorations and private home embellishments for decades.

One of Mr. Nielbock’s most notable projects was the Hurlburt Memorial, which was the re-creation of the predominant Hurlbert Gate, a prime example of architectural ornamental metalwork, made feasible by referencing vintage photographs and employing centuries old techniques in a hands-on fashion. Other highly noteworthy projects are the restoration of the Fox Theatre, Old Michigan Bell Building, Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Club and the Henry Ford House in Dearborn, Michigan. Mr. Nielbock enjoys a strong client base in Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Shores, Bloomfield Hills, Chicago, Canada and Germany.

The winner of three national medals, Mr. Nielbock has been featured in several print publications and television programs. He specializes in fabricating Ornamental Metal Art from the customary designs of the Old World masters, ensuring for his clients all the grace and flair afforded by over a century of Industrial Arts tradition.

Through his AOMAI apprenticeship program for youth, Mr. Nielbock provides instruction on Traditional Metalsmithing, thereby affording his students the opportunity to commence successful future endeavors in the Industrial Arts.