Bobbi Mastrangelo

Bio / Artists statement

My “Grate Works of Art” document the history of our streets and the covers protecting our precious resources.

“City of Orlando” (manhole cover and bricks) recreates a scene from Loch Haven Park adjacent to the Orlando Museum of Art in Florida. Exhibitions include: “Sculpture, The Ultimate Process,” a 1st Thursday event at The Orlando Museum of Art in 2012 and “The Best of the Best” at the Mayor’s Gallery in Orlando City Hall in 2014.

”FDOT: Do Not Pollute” represents a storm drain sewer cover managed by the Florida Dept. of Transportation. One can peer inside the “Storm Drain” at the top of the sculpture. The stenciled letters on the simulated asphalt display the message: “Do not pollute!”

“The City Beautiful” is emblazoned with the logo of the City of Orlando, Florida. It was exhibited in “What’s Urban Art?” at Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursday in October 2014. It was also featured in The Municipal.com January 2015 magazine article: “Turning Manhole Covers into Art” by Barbara Sieminski.

Bobbi Mastrangelo, The “Grate Artist,” is internationally known for her unique creations based on the theme of manhole covers. The tromp l'oeil sculpture relief works artistically capture the essence of utility covers in urban settings. Their appearance is so realistic that viewers wonder how she managed to put all that “weight” up on the wall.

The artist, a member of The National Association of Women Artists, is listed in “Who’s Who in American Art,” “Who’s Who in American Women” and other noteworthy references. Her works are in prominent collections including: The Heckscher Museum and The Islip Art Museum in New York State and The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Bobbi enjoys the challenge of creating these “Grate Works”. But her art also has purpose and meaning, reminding all of us to appreciate our utilities such as water, electric, gas and communications. The Conservation and Protection of WATER, our most precious resource, is her central focus.

Notes on these art works:

“Inside 52AG-R” won Best of Show for the “Inside/Out” exhibition at Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursday in May 2014. It was Runner up at the “Best of the Best” exhibition in June at OMA and exhibited with the winning Artists at The Mayor’s Gallery in Orlando’s City Hall during the summer of 2014.

“Buckeye Water Meter Cover” was shown in a Butler Institute of Art’s Juried Summer Exhibition. It is featured in the American Art Collector 2015 Book and is now in a private collection.

“Urban Gas Cover” was exhibited at OMA’s “What’s Urban Art?” and Artists Registry’s Member Show at City Arts Factory in 2014. It has unique side details featuring pebbles with an exposed yellow pipeline and a shut off valve

Before moving to Florida, Bobbi sold her papermaking equipment and printing press. Gilcee Prints became the solution for preserving the essence of her art on hand made paper. They capture the fine texture details, are archival and affordable.

Bobbi Mastrangelo’s giclee prints, transform mundane iron covers into jewel-like mandalas.

“Buffalo Water” is a tribute to her Western New York roots.

“Golden Gate Meter Box” is based on a Ford Meter Box Cover in San Francisco CA.

“Hicksville Potente” is a popular utility cover on Long Island NY. The Potente Name is prominently displayed on Manhole Covers at Universal Studios in Orlando FL.

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