Steven Maeck, a 77-year-old sculptor born in northwestern Vermont, spent 25 years as a dealer in antique oriental rugs and modern art before transitioning to sculpture. He worked primarily in welded and assembled steel, developing a modernist, non-representational style. After operating galleries and exhibiting throughout the Eastern U.S., he eventually turned fully to studio practice. His work earned national recognition through juried shows and exhibitions, including awards at the Iowa Sculpture Festival and SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, as well as participation in venues such as the Helen Day Art Center and Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University. His large-scale works have been installed in numerous public art programs across the Midwest. In 2023, he was featured in a solo exhibition, Steven Maeck – Ironworks, at The Blanden Memorial Art Museum. One of his major achievements, the Big Spring Panel Project, is a mile-long installation of stained glass and steel that was unveiled in 2006 after six years of development.