The Artist
About SculptDecor
The hands, the materials, the philosophy, and the Hocking Hills studio behind every piece.
Meet Dustin Weatherby
Dustin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Eastern Michigan University and has spent the last 25+ years transforming raw materials into art that commands attention. His path has taken him from national competition stages to Disney+ television, from haunted house fabrication shops to his own 58-acre studio in the Hocking Hills of Ohio.
While at Eastern Michigan, Dustin competed for the EMU Ice Sculpting Team, earning 3rd place at the National Ice Carving Championships in 2004. He went on to design and carve in performances, creating over 100 ice sculptures for private parties, weddings, corporate events, and festivals across the Midwest.
Dustin is well known for his wood-sculpting performances and commissioned work, especially in the Columbus area. His custom commissioned wood sculptures can be found around Ohio.
His career in special effects led him to The Scarefactory in Columbus, Ohio. He spent over a decade designing and fabricating animatronics for haunted attractions, theme parks, and entertainment venues worldwide — personally creating hundreds of animatronic figures and contributing to 60+ haunted houses globally.
In 2021, Dustin appeared on Disney+ "Foodtastic" (Star Wars episode) as part of team "Sculptinators." He had previously appeared on the History Channel's "Surviving History" in 2008, fabricating medieval weaponry and historical artifacts.
In 2014, Dustin founded SculptDecor LLC to bring his full range of skills — metal fabrication, wood carving, ice sculpting, stone shaping, fiberglass, and recycled-material art — directly to clients who want something made by hand, made once, and made to last.
One of Dustin's biggest projects to date is Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills, a living art gallery and wellness retreat center within a 58-acre nature preserve in the Hocking Hills of Ohio. He leads retreats, creative workshops, and wellness activities there; the SculptDecor studio sits within the retreat center and is a working part of the retreats and workshops.
As Featured On
Credentials & Recognition
National Ice Carving Championships
3rd place finish competing for the Eastern Michigan University Ice Sculpting Team. One of only a handful of nationally ranked competitive ice sculptors.
History Channel — "Surviving History"
Featured as a fabricator creating medieval weaponry, armor, and historical artifacts for the show's hands-on historical reenactments.
SculptDecor LLC Founded
Launched his own studio in the Hocking Hills of Ohio, combining sculpture, animatronics, live performances, and custom fabrication under one roof.
Disney+ — "Foodtastic"
Competed on team "Sculptinators" in the Star Wars episode. Food-sculpting competition showcasing Dustin's versatility across every sculptural medium.
Woody Hayes Commemorative Busts
Handcrafted Woody Hayes commemorative busts and ornaments — one of the largest collegiate brands in the country. This item is not currently for sale. Previously produced under license by The Ohio State University.
The Studio
SculptDecor's working studio sits on 58 wooded acres in the Hocking Hills of Ohio — bays for metalwork, wood, stone, ice, and large-scale animatronics, all under one roof.
It's where commissions are designed, fabricated, and finished by hand. Visitors are welcome by appointment for live performances and walk-throughs of works in progress.
The Team
Dustin Weatherby
Founder & Lead SculptorBFA in Sculpture. 25+ years experience. The creative force behind every commission, performance, and animatronic that leaves the studio.
Raven Morgan
Co-Owner, Retreat Leader & CuratorBackground in medicine and lifestyle coaching. Dustin's creative partner and the operational force behind every guest experience, wellness program, and retreat that comes to life at Raven's Retreat.
Dane Morgan
Co-Owner, Property & InfrastructureConstruction and building expertise. Responsible for the roads, structures, trails, and infrastructure that make the 58-acre property possible.
The Process
Every piece begins with the material itself. A reclaimed walnut log gets slabbed open on the sawmill so the grain and figure can dictate the design — not the other way around.
From there it's hand tools, welds, chisels, and torches. No molds, no mass production, no shortcuts. The marks of the making stay visible in the finished work.
Philosophy
Three principles guide every piece that leaves the studio.
Everything Is Sculpture
If there were a message behind every piece, it would be that everything is some form of sculpture — whether created by nature, man, or creature. Dustin's favorite creative process is taking a found object and elaborating on its features to create a conceptual work of art.
Material Honesty
We don't disguise materials. Bronze looks like bronze. Wood reveals its grain. Steel shows its welds. The beauty is in the truth of the medium and the marks of its making. No molds, no mass production, no shortcuts.
Sustainability by Nature
Dustin is best known for his preference to work with recycled and reclaimed materials. Dead trees become garden sculptures. Scrap metal becomes fine art. The best materials often have a story before the artist touches them.
Work With Dustin
From a small garden sculpture to a large-scale corporate installation, every project starts with a conversation about your space and your vision.
Start a Project