Menz, Rogelio

Born and educated in Chile, Rogelio Menz began his professional life in agriculture before forging a new creative path in Edmonton, Alberta, where he has lived and worked for over four decades. Trained in welding at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Menz transformed industrial discipline into sculptural expression, developing a distinctive body of work shaped by strength, movement, and material integrity — informed by a deeply rooted Latin creative sensibility.

Working primarily in metal, Menz is known for incorporating found and reclaimed materials into his sculptures, allowing each piece to carry its own history forward. His practice has expanded to include glass, wood, and more recently concrete — a medium that has become a compelling new focus. His process is intuitive and evolutionary; rather than imposing a final vision, he allows form to emerge through exploration, balancing structure with artistic freedom.

His sculptures have been installed in downtown corporate towers, NAIT, and in private and public collections. In 2000, he was commissioned by the National Automobile Dealers Association to create a commemorative sculpture honoring Henry Ford for the Freedom of Mobility Award, now permanently displayed at the U.S. Automobile Hall of Fame. His work has also been featured nationally on CBC’s Roughcuts.

Alongside his studio practice, Menz has served for decades as an instructor with the Canadian Welding Bureau and NAIT, mentoring generations of craftsmen and contributing to the continued evolution of metalwork in Canada.

Menz has gained wide recognition for his craft in Edmonton. He has been interviewed on CBC’s “Roughcuts”, which was televised Canada wide. In 2000 Menz was selected by the National Automobile Dealers Association to create a piece honoring Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company for the Freedom of Mobility award. This piece is now permanently being displayed at the U.S. Automobile Hall of Fame.