Art is found in many places in American culture.  One of the most predominate and functional forms is found in the sleek and classic lines of the automobile.  This was the form that first captivated the mind and imagination of Donnie Wanner to the medium of metal in art.  Born in California and raised in Oregon, Donnie started his love affair with custom cars in high school.  This facilitated an early move after high school to Florida where he became employed by Zimmer Motor Car Corporation, a neo-classic custom car manufacturer.  Being a quick learner with an artists eye, Donnie was fascinated by the moulding of metal, welding, sculpting clay mock-ups, fabricating, mold making, coloring and the ultimate production of something that was fresh, exciting and stimulating to look at.  These skills led Donnie to his passion of creating art in metal.

Neither distraction nor injury could derail his passions.  After recovering from serious back surgery at the tender age of twenty, Donnie returned to Oregon.  Armed with marketable skills, it wasn't long before other artists, who were strong on design but weak on the technique of working metal, found his talents most valuable.  Like most artists who seem to come from nowhere, bringing with them a collection of skills and influences from the past, Wanner is no exception to the dues paying process that comes with the title of artist.  If  labor had a retirement program, one could say he is fully vested.  He has learned that integrity and creativity have a price which is built on a long-suffering commitment to one's craft and dreams.