About Us

Steel Appeal is now Curtis Warnes Functional Art and is still an American owned and operated company located in Northern Lower Michigan. The original company was formed in 1998, I purchased the company in 2005. The company has evolved quite a bit since I bought it. My website will be changing over the next few months, in the meantime you can see much of what we are now doing on our Facebook Page Curtis Warnes – Functional Art.

I started with exclusively designed metal wall plate covers, towel bars, toilet paper holders, coat racks, wall art, candle holders, mirror frames, garden art, furniture, and sculpture. My styles ranging from rustic, southwestern, western, contemporary, island living, aquatic, nautical, and wrought iron to name a few.

My focus has shifted to exactly what our name says – Functional Art inspired by the Great Lakes that I grew up around. Coffee, Dining, Conference tables and more. Made of wood, rocks, shells and other Great Lakes finds. Beautiful functional art for your home or office.

I have always been committed to offering high quality American made products backed by a 100% money back guarantee and that has not changed. 

Curtis Warnes

‘Click Here’ to check out the January 2020 interview with 9&10 News!

I grew up in Glen Arbor, MI. a small town just minutes from where his business is located. At age 18, I moved away in pursuit of an education. After college, I moved back to Glen Arbor for only a year before taking a job that required me to travel. Then in 2002, my daughter was born and my need to be back home was greater than ever.

As a child, I had always envisioned owning my own business in Northern Michigan that would allow me to use my creativity and natural talents in a way that would be rewarding; not only to myself, but to my community and the world at large. After years of searching and putting my dream on hold, an opportunity was presented. That opportunity has become a nationally sold and recognized line of art and products. From Alaska to Florida, and Maine to Hawaii, my work can be found through out.

As you are driving down M-72 (West Empire Highway) make sure to be on the lookout for Gilbert the T-Rex. He sits out near the road at the front of the shop’s property. Please stop and take pictures and while you are there visit our small stand where some items are available for purchase.

I invite you to experience what so many already have, “The satisfaction of making your world a better place by design!”

Thank You,

Curtis Warnes, Owner

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