John F. Sendelbach is a figure known in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, for his contributions to both landscaping and sculpture, with his creations visible across the Pioneer Valley. His career reflects a gradual shift from designing outdoor spaces to producing tangible works of art in metal and stone, a transition shaped by education, experience, and a willingness to adapt.
Sendelbach was born in 1966 in Buffalo, New York, and raised in nearby Orchard Park, where he completed his education at Orchard Park High School. His early interest in plants and natural environments led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Cornell University, which he earned in 1989. Following this, he enrolled in the landscape architecture program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to further develop his skills in designing functional outdoor spaces. In the early 1990s, he founded Whirlwind Fine Garden Design, a business focused on creating residential landscapes in western Massachusetts. For nearly a decade, he worked on projects that included stone walls, pathways, and other features tailored to the region’s terrain and aesthetic.
In 2000, Sendelbach attended the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton, an event that introduced him to a variety of metal and stone artworks. This experience prompted a reassessment of his career direction. Inspired by what he saw, he decided to explore sculpting as a new outlet for his creativity, subsequently selling his stake in Whirlwind Fine Garden Design to focus on this endeavor. His background in landscaping, combined with a familial connection to metalwork—his father was a sheet metal worker—provided a foundation for this shift.
Sendelbach’s initial attempt to sell his sculptures at an arts festival in 2000 met with limited success, as few pieces found buyers. Despite this setback, he continued to refine his approach, experimenting with materials and techniques. He began with copper, drawn to its versatility, and gradually incorporated more accessible options such as steel, aluminum, iron, and salvaged items like electrical boxes and cutlery as copper prices increased. Over time, his persistence led to growing recognition at regional art shows, where his sculptures and garden ornaments began to attract attention.
In 2011, Sendelbach established the Metal Stone Arts Gallery on State Street in Shelburne Falls, a 900-square-foot space housed in a red-clapboard building near the Deerfield River and the well-known Bridge of Flowers. The gallery served as both a workspace and a display area, featuring a range of his creations. Among them was a tall sculpture constructed from electrical boxes damaged in a flood, a mobile assembled from a colander and a railroad spike, and stone vases paired with small paperweights. Wall hangings, some incorporating personal elements like a dog tag from Conway, were also part of the collection. The gallery operated for nearly a decade, closing in 2020, after which Sendelbach opted to take a break from active projects.
The Metal Stone Arts Gallery functioned as more than a retail space; it was a point of connection within Shelburne Falls’ artistic community. Sendelbach’s decision to open it was influenced by a creative economy summit hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, which emphasized the role of arts in sustaining local vitality. He observed, “Arts and people who make things give a place some life,” reflecting his belief in the cultural value of such efforts. The gallery drew visitors who appreciated how his works complemented the town’s character, reinforcing its status as an artisan hub. Since its closure in 2020, Sendelbach has stepped away from public-facing activities, taking time to regroup.
Sendelbach’s portfolio extends beyond the gallery to include several public installations that highlight his ability to blend functionality with artistic expression. In 1998, he created the "Crossroads Salamander" for Cushman Common in Amherst, a stone structure designed as both a walkway and a bench. Its coiled tail, inspired by nearby salamander migration tunnels, has made it a popular feature for local children and a lasting addition to the area due to community support. In 2003, he completed "Mill River Newt" at the Mill River Recreation Area, a project commissioned by Heather Halsey as a memorial to her late husband, Kevin Maxwell Brown. Constructed from locally sourced stone, it offers a subtle yet approachable presence in the landscape.
Another notable work is "Brookie the Trout," located in Greenfield’s River Works Park. This piece, made from stainless steel cutlery donated by community members, pays tribute to Greenfield’s historical significance as the site of the first cutlery factory in the United States while acknowledging the ecological improvement of the Green River. The sculpture emerged from an initiative by Mayor William Martin to establish “gateways” at key entry points to the town, enhancing its visual identity. Sendelbach’s involvement in this project demonstrates his capacity to integrate local history into his art.
Collaboration has also played a role in Sendelbach’s career. One example is the Pothole Fountain near the Bridge of Flowers, developed alongside stonemason Paul Forth and Julie Petty. Designed to resemble glacial potholes, the fountain includes a stone inlay shaped like Africa as a tribute to Forth’s daughters, combining natural inspiration with personal significance. This project, like others, reflects Sendelbach’s practical approach to working with stone, a medium he describes as immersive. “Stone pulls you in once you start,” he has noted, based on years of hands-on experience.
Currently in his late 50s, with his brown hair showing signs of gray, Sendelbach brings a seasoned perspective to his craft. His transition from landscaping to sculpting underscores a belief that art can enhance community engagement. “Places need some fun to work,” he has said, a viewpoint that guided his efforts at the gallery, where returning visitors explored his evolving creations. His body of work includes both private commissions and public installations, such as the Minuteman Crossing at UMass Amherst, a stone plaza that complements the campus’s central statue and serves as a gathering spot.
Since closing the Metal Stone Arts Gallery in 2020, Sendelbach has taken a step back, pausing his active involvement in new projects. This break follows nearly two decades of consistent output, during which he contributed to the cultural landscape of Shelburne Falls and surrounding areas. His sculptures and installations remain in place, offering a tangible record of his efforts—pieces in metal and stone that resonate with their settings and reflect the region’s history and environment.
Sendelbach’s career trajectory provides insight into how personal interests and professional skills can intersect to create a distinctive path. From his early days shaping yards to his later focus on sculptural forms, he has navigated challenges and opportunities with a steady hand. His works, whether in public parks or private spaces, serve as functional art that invites interaction while grounding itself in the context of its location. As he takes time away since 2020, his existing contributions continue to define a legacy of craftsmanship and community connection in the Pioneer Valley.
