Nick Schmiedeler | Leftover Lawrence

Nick Schmiedeler has been tinkering with found, salvaged, and natural objects for decades.  Inspired by the rustic, craftsman-style, he has created folk art-inspired works that are comprised of bits and pieces of Lawrence. Fragments assembled from local yard sales, alleys, the Kaw, junkyards, and thrift stores tell a story of new life after being discarded.

Born and raised in Prairie Village, KS, Nick attended Rockhurst High School, Kansas State University, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Avila University in Kansas City, MO in 1995.  He has been married since 1991 with two great kids. With no formal art education, Nick has been tinkering with found, salvaged, and natural objects for decades.  Upon arriving in Lawrence, KS, in 1995 and soon after purchasing their current home, Nick used the rustic, craftsman-style of the house to run with a folk art-inspired theme to the entire environment surrounding their home. Neighbors have been very supportive of the vision, and the Schmiedelers love it when folks stop by to check out the large collection of rusty scrap sculptures and assorted pieces that decorate the grounds. Nick joined the local Lawrence Art Guild in 2008 and has been producing pieces for show and sale at a variety of locales since.  Prior to and since then, Nick has created many pieces for friends and family all over the Midwest.