Legacy Atelier continues the 35-year legacy of J.N. Phillips Casting, now as a woman-owned and operated foundry. We are sculptors. We understand the technical and artistic challenges of bringing a project from conception to completion and installation. Located in a former machine shop in Germantown, Philadelphia, we can execute projects large and small, with attention to detail at every step.
Gina Michaels
Gina is a sculptor who has cast her work in bronze for forty years. She met John Phillips in 1993 when she walked into Phillips Casting with a collection of rubber molds. Over the following decades, John and Gina were close collaborators at Phillips Casting, and in the creation of their bodies of work, as well as life partners. Gina has exhibited her work extensively in galleries and public spaces. She brings her experience as an artist, as well as her technical knowledge, to each project. Gina works with conservators to restore or recreate damaged sculptural elements. She collaborates closely with artists to find the best methods for realizing their vision.
She holds a BA in Art and Art History from Oberlin College, attended the New York Studio School, and received an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. GinaMichaels.com
Tobias Canfield
Toby is highly experienced in sculpture fabrication, emphasizing mold-making, bronze casting, and welding. He began his professional career at J.N. Phillips Casting, going on to spend ten years in architectural and fine art conservation and restoration. His experience has given him the tools to document, analyze, and assess conditions of architectural materials and fine art objects, and identify modes of deterioration and extent of damage. He prepares plans for intervention and implements on-site conservation treatments. He brings his broad range of skills and creative technical perspectives to each project. Toby studied with John Phillips at the University of the Arts, where he received a BFA.
Morris Jones
Morris began his art career as a graffiti artist, with the walls of Philadelphia as his canvas. He went on to receive a BFA from Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) in 1983. After graduation, he apprenticed and then worked for the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture, where he met John Phillips. At the Atelier, Morris specialized in mold making and wax casting. In addition to his studio practice and work with Legacy Atelier, Morris creates murals and teaches workshops for schools and community centers throughout Philadelphia. Morris uses art as a catalyst to inspire communities about expanded possibilities for children and families in their neighborhoods.
MorrisJonesArtist.com
John N. Phillips
August 12, 1946 – February 20, 2019
After several years of intensive work at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute for Sculpture, John N. Phillips founded J.N. Phillips Casting in 1985. At the time, it was the only fine art foundry in Philadelphia. Over the following three decades, John was at the forefront of sculpture casting and restoration in Philadelphia. Working with artists and conservators, John and company cast and restored countless works in and around Philadelphia and beyond. Phillips Casting’s work is everywhere in this sculpture-rich city, from the tower of City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park.
PhillipsCasting.comEnvironmental Stewardship
Our electricity is sourced from wind and solar power generated in Pennsylvania. Our gas is from non-fracking sources. We make every effort to conserve and recycle our materials, and to use the lowest impact products available. Bronze in particular is infinitely recyclable. Every scrap goes back in the furnace for the next pour.