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| Metal figures attract visitors |
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If you´re planning a trip through Panama, going by the Pan American highway by land , could take you to see face to face a formidable dinosaur, a dragon or even Don Quijote. These figures were produced by Tratos Antiguos, a store in Capira, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the capital, which sells art made of wood , metals and stones. They also build and restore all types of furniture.Which makes this an interesting and different work is that it´s made with recycled material, like pieces from the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, or tools and equipments, including motors from the sugar mill and oil factory , and other pieces that were discarded in the rural areas of the country. The manager of Tratos Antiguos, Matildo Escudero, has gathered a group of providers of this raw material in all the country. About 1,000 different objects are exhibited in their store, including the steering wheel of a ship, wells, gateways and banks. The metal figures attract a diverse group of customers, including foreigners, artists, entrepreneurs, owners of bars and restaurants, politicians and professionals in search of something unique and special. According to Escudero, a 60% of his clients are tourists, mainly from U.S.A. , followed by French and Canadians. He assured that even Panamanians and local residents have started to become interested in his work. These customers are requesting furniture pieces for their restaurants ,as well as decoration items for bars, cafeterias, hotels and even schools. Escudero is proud of the work he has accumulated. Along with 12 collaborators , he has even sold his works abroad, in the United States, Italy and Africa. The pieces can also be found in the best universities and private schools in Panama. Attractions The main attractions at Tratos Antiguos, are the Quijote, the dinosaurs and the dragons, all made with recycled material. The price of a Quijote is US$150 , the dinosaurs cost US$1.000, and dragons are about US$600 . The prizes of the other pieces vary according to the material used. Most of the works are made of stainless and galvanized steel The special steel that is recovered from the Panama Canal has a double history, since once it was used in the Canal and now has become a work of art. 
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 08 February 2010 17:15 ) |
