By Austin Lloyd Posted February 22, 2019
Dillon Patterson and other members of SkillsUSA are getting ready for their state competition which will take place over Spring Break.
Patterson is excited to show off his sculpture.
“SkillsUSA is a competition held in Reno every year where everyone goes to show off their trade; welding, electrical, stuff like that. I did sculpture this year and I’m going to present that over spring break,” said Patterson.
Patterson chose to base his sculpture on important Nevada artifacts.
“I built the duck decoys found in the Lovelock Caves and built something to be based on our state history,” said Patterson.
In addition to Patterson, Lowry will be sending students to other competitions.
“We have two other sculptures going. And we have unknown individual welders going because they have to go to Regionals first before they can compete. And we have five electricians, carpenters, and five diesel,” said Patterson.
There are different types of welding but Patterson uses Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) the most.
“Mostly GTAW welding, commonly known, as TIG welding [tungsten inert gas] and some flux core welding and some stick welding,” said Patterson.
Although the sculpture competition is new to him, Patterson has the capability to be a talented sculptor.
“I decided to jump into sculpture this year because I was offered the opportunity for it. Mr. Meyer believed that I had the trade to do well there and that I have the artistic capabilities to build something that could go to the next level at Nationals,” said Patterson.
Patterson worked hard to prepare his sculpture for the competition.
“The sculpture has taken me eight months to build. 137 hours were put into it. It’s kind of harder because you have to get in every element. With the fab team you are working with two other people and you are only doing it at the competition so you don’t really know what is to be expected,” said Patterson.
