Welcome to The Wild Bison.

Whether you're here to build something yourself, purchase a finished piece, or simply learn more about what we're doing, we've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

Don't see your question here? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.

About The Wild Bison

What is The Wild Bison Metal art co?

The Wild Bison is a metal art company focused on transforming scrap, reclaimed, and overlooked metal into something new. We create finished metal art boxes, hands-on build kits, Bison Boxes, merchandise, and other creative projects designed to encourage people to see potential in materials that might otherwise be discarded or overlooked.

Why is it called The Wild Bison?

The American bison is a major part of the inspiration behind our brand. The bison was once nearly lost from the American landscape and has since returned to roam across the country. We see a similar idea in the materials we work with. Metal that has been used, cut, bent, worn, or discarded can be given a new purpose. The Wild Bison represents that idea of returning, rebuilding, and giving something another life.

Who is The Wild Bison?

The Wild Bison is a collaboration built around metal artists, creativity driven, fabricators, and artists that are passionate about turning overlooked materials into something worth keeping. As the company grows, you’ll see more people become part of the Wild Bison community.

Where is The Wild Bison located?

The Wild Bison currently operates with distribution locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Denver, Colorado. Not every product ships from both locations. The shipping location for each product will be identified on its individual product listing most of the time.

Bison Boxes

What is a Bison Box?

A Bison Box is a collection of metal pieces selected to give you the raw materials and creative challenge needed to build your own sculpture. Rather than giving you a step-by-step project with a predetermined result, we give you the materials and challenge you to decide what they become.

Will every Bison Box contain the exact same pieces?

Yes but with and strict*.

*Because our Bison Boxes are built around reclaimed and scrap materials, the exact shapes, sizes, quantities, and pieces may slightly vary but we will get it as close to the same in each box as possible. We will provide photographs and information about each specific Bison Box so you can understand what you're purchasing.

Each Bison Box series will have a limited amount of boxes being sold, the parts in that series will be almost exactly the same. For example, for Bison Box 001 we might make 10 boxes, they will all be the same parts included. The parts may be the same, but the sculptures that are created from the Bison Box will be completely different and unique. (Keep reading, this is where it starts to get fun)

Is the Bison Box a kit with instructions?

Not in the traditional sense. The Bison Box is intentionally open-ended. You're given materials and challenged to create something of your own. Some boxes may eventually include additional inspiration or suggested projects, but we don't want to take away the creative challenge by telling you exactly what your finished sculpture needs to look like. As artists create sculpture from each Bison Box, if videos or content is submitted, we will share it to our social media and YouTube channel, so you can see samples of what you can create if you wanted something to help guide your creation.

Do I have to use everything in the Bison Box?

No. However, we strongly encourage you to take the challenge of using as much of the box as possible. You may discover that a piece you initially thought was useless becomes one of the most important parts of your sculpture.

Can I add my own metal?

For the official Bison Box challenge, we encourage you to try building with only the materials provided. After that, your project is yours. Once your sculpture is finished, if you have leftover pieces you can use them for whatever you’d like, they’re yours. Have fun.

Can I modify the pieces?

Yes, absolutely.. and it’s encouraged. Cutting, grinding, bending, drilling, welding, and otherwise transforming the materials is part of the creative process. Always inspect each piece before working with it and use appropriate safety equipment and procedures for the work you're performing.

Do I need to know how to weld to use a Bison Box?

Welding experience will certainly help, but the concept is about creativity as much as welding. Depending on the project, some people may find other ways to assemble or display their sculpture. If you're welding, you should have the appropriate equipment, knowledge, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and safe working environment. We would say the Bison Boxes would be great for an intermediate to advanced welder or a very ambitions beginner.

Can kids use a Bison Box?

Bison Boxes contain metal components that may be sharp, heavy, or otherwise unsuitable for children and is not recommended. They are intended for adults and experienced makers unless a responsible adult determines that a particular project is appropriate and provides proper supervision. Children should never operate welding, cutting, grinding, or other fabrication equipment without appropriate supervision, correct PPE and training.

Can I see examples of what other people have made?

Yes. We'll be sharing builds through The Wild Bison website, social media, and YouTube. We encourage customers to document their builds and send them to us for a chance to be featured.

Can I submit my Bison Box build?

Yes. We would love to see it. Take photographs and videos throughout the process and share your finished sculpture with us. Selected builds may be featured on The Wild Bison website, social media channels, YouTube, or other promotional materials.

Metal & Materials

Is the metal new or used?

It depends on the product. Many of our projects use reclaimed, surplus, leftover, or scrap metal. Some products may contain new materials as well from time to time. The product listing will provide additional information about the materials used whenever appropriate.

Will the metal look perfect?

Not necessarily, and that's part of the point. Reclaimed metal can have scratches, discoloration, mill scale, surface rust, markings, bends, previous welds, cut marks, and other characteristics resulting from its previous use. Those characteristics are not necessarily defects. They are part of the material's history.

Is every piece unique?

Many of our products will contain naturally unique materials, particularly our reclaimed metal products and Bison Boxes. Even when two products are made from the same concept, the individual materials may have differences.

Is the metal safe to weld?

You are responsible for determining whether a particular piece of material is appropriate for the work you intend to perform. Reclaimed metal can have unknown coatings, finishes, contaminants, or previous uses. We try our best to give you good weldable materials, but do not assume that an unidentified piece of metal is safe to weld, cut, grind, heat, or otherwise modify. Inspect and prepare materials appropriately, use proper ventilation and respiratory protection where required, and follow safe fabrication practices.

Does The Wild Bison clean the metal before shipping?

The preparation of the metal depends on the specific product. Some pieces may be cleaned, cut, or prepared before shipping, while other products may intentionally contain raw or unfinished material. It is safe to assume you will need to grind, cut or clean some of the parts.

Will my Bison Box contain rusty metal?

It may (and most likely yes) Surface rust, discoloration, scale, and other signs of previous use can be present in reclaimed steel. These characteristics are part of the material and do not automatically indicate that the product is defective.

Products & Ordering

Are The Wild Bison products handmade?

Many of them are. Some products are individually fabricated, assembled, or prepared by hand, while others may use a combination of handmade and manufactured components. The individual product listing will provide additional information when relevant.

Will my finished metal sculpture look exactly like the photos?

Not always. Some products are intentionally unique, handmade, or made from reclaimed materials. Product photographs may show the actual item or may show examples of the type of product you will receive. Please read the individual product description carefully.

Can I request a custom sculpture or commission a sculpture using my own scrap metal?

Custom work may be available depending on the project, materials, schedule, and availability. Contact us with your idea and we'll determine if one of the metal artists we are in contact with may be a good fit of your project request. Please not we are not a sculpture making company.

We love the idea of giving meaningful or sentimental metal a new life. Send us information about the material and what you have in mind, and we'll let you know what may be possible. Not every material will be suitable for fabrication, so projects will be evaluated individually.

Do you sell finished sculptures?

Not normally. Please contact one of the artists that you see featured on our website, social media or YouTube channel for purchasing a finished sculpture.

Shipping

Please refer ro our shipping page. https://www.thewildbisonmetalartco.com/shippingandreturns

Returns, Refunds & Exchanges

Please refer ro our shipping page. https://www.thewildbisonmetalartco.com/shippingandreturns

Wholesale & Business

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Wholesale opportunities may be available for select products. Contact us with information about your business, the products you're interested in, and the quantities you're considering.

Can a welding shop or metal supplier carry The Wild Bison products?

Potentially. We're interested in working with businesses that fit the brand and can help introduce The Wild Bison to new makers and customers. Contact us about wholesale and retail opportunities.

Do you offer corporate or promotional products?

Potentially. Custom projects, branded pieces, event items, and other collaborations may be available depending on the project. Contact us with your idea.

Community & Content

Can I be featured by The Wild Bison?

We'd love to see what you're making. If you purchase a Bison Box or another Wild Bison product, document your project and share it with us. Selected projects may be featured on our website, social media, YouTube channel, or other Wild Bison marketing.

Do you need permission to use photos or videos I send you?

If you submit photographs or videos to us for consideration, we may ask for permission to use them on our website, social media, marketing, or other Wild Bison channels. We'll communicate with you regarding the use of submitted content when appropriate.

Can I tag The Wild Bison on social media?

Absolutely. Tag us or add us as a collaborator in your build photos, videos, finished sculptures, shop projects, and Wild Bison creations. If Its from The Wild Bison, We want to feature it.

Do you have a YouTube channel?

Yes. The Wild Bison YouTube channel will feature builds, Bison Box projects, behind-the-scenes content, fabrication, and other projects from the Wild Bison community. www.youtube.com/@thewildbisonmetalartco

General Questions

Where can I learn more about The Wild Bison?

The website is the central home for The Wild Bison. You can also follow us on our social media channels and visit our YouTube channel for builds, projects, announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.

Can I visit The Wild Bison in person?

The Wild Bison operates from distribution and production locations rather than a traditional retail storefront. Public availability and event appearances will be announced when applicable.

Can I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?

Local pickup may be available for select products and locations. Contact us before placing your order if you are interested in pickup. Most items will be warehouse and shipped from either Pittsburg, PA or Denver, CO.

Do you ship internationally?

General international shipping is not available at the moment. Contact us if you are interested in an item and are located outside the United States.

Do you offer gift cards?

Gift cards may be offered in the future. Check the website for current availability.

How can I contact The Wild Bison?

If you have a question that isn't answered here, contact us through the website. We're happy to answer questions about products, materials, shipping, custom work, wholesale opportunities, or anything else related to The Wild Bison.

One Last Thing

The Wild Bison is built around the idea that something doesn't have to be new to have value.

A piece of scrap metal can become a sculpture.

A box of random parts can become a challenge.

A pile of overlooked material can become something worth keeping.

You get the materials.

You decide what they become.

The Wild Bison has returned. Now let's see what you can create.

-The Wild Bison Team