Mike Mistler could be called a modern Michaelangelo. The two share more than a similar name: Mistler's skill at sculpting is utterly awe-inspiring. And though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art evinces a rare gift.
At Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach, perched atop the Shootout Hall of Fame, Mistler’s art is prominent. His sculpture of racing legend Bob Morgan sits at the center of Shootout festivities.
Mistler’s work is also prominent at the Osage National Golf Course. The metal sign rising forty feet from the hillside below the clubhouse is Mistler’s design and craft.
Dam Steel, 530 Highway D, Osage Beach, Mo. is where Mike Mistler can be found any work day. There customers can also see one of Mistler’s whimsical animal sculptures, an elephant with his foot on the world. Another, this one a strong, fierce lion, is for sale at John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark. A highly polished alligator sits in Florida.
At Dam Steel, customers can see one of Mike Mistler’s whimsical-yet-majestic animal sculptures: an elephant with his foot on the world.
Mistler and his wife, A. J., recently moved from Jefferson City where Mike owned and operated Capital Steel and Design. During his years there, Mistler created a large statue of St. Joseph holding the baby Jesus for St. Mary’s School. His work for children is on display at the JCMG (Jefferson City Medical Group) Medical Building. There children can identify with five metal figures or look into the mirror face of one that reflects their own. At Jefferson City’s Master Gardener’s Demonstration garden, Mistler’s hypnotic wind sculptures smooth away the cares of a busy day.
The Mistlers came to Lake of the Ozarks because of Mike’s brother, Jeff, and because the people here at the Lake are so welcoming. Here, Mistler intends to continue turning dull metal into art, a talent that he gives entirely to God with the help of Mike’s own father.
Mike remembers his father as part-hero, part-task master, and part-inspiration. Steel was the senior Mistler’s business. He also made Ferris wheels and carousels that the Mistler children enjoyed for backyard play until Mike fell and broke a bone. Then the wheel and merry-go-round were exclusive to state and county fairs where Mike’s father never let a child go without the joy of riding even if that child lacked the nickel fare. Telling the children that they were needed to balance the equipment, Mike’s father let the children ride while upholding the family’s pride. Mike remembers this as but one example of his father’s charity. Another was driving the church bus and donating soda pop for church picnics.
At the breakfast table, Mike and Jeff prepared for school by solving their father’s math problems. After school, they worked for their uncle’s steel company and applied math while engineering safe and sturdy metal work. Mike is especially grateful for this experience. A round table and framed mirror featured among the Mistler’s home furnishings appear to be fine wood, but they are actually well-balanced metal.
A round table featured among the Mistler’s home furnishings appears to be fine wood, but is actually well-balanced metal.
Mike Mistler has also tinkered with cars. He restored a 1957 Chevy for Jeff, neither man sparing any expense. That car took first place or Best in Show in eleven car shows. Clearly, Mike is a go-to artist for car restoration and metal sculptures of all kinds. He learned from his father to believe in himself, and he learned to trust in God’s gift. When Mike puzzles over how to accomplish facial features or how to bring metal to life, he knows that an answer will arrive if he’s humble and patient. He has also learned that sculpting brings him so much joy that it’s never work too hard or too tedious. That’s why he will continue to create during his retirement here at Lake of the Ozarks.
Though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art evinces a rare gift.
Though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art evinces a rare gift.
Though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art—such as this three-dimensional Missouri Tigers emblem, hanging on the wall at Dam Steel—evinces a rare gift.
Though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art evinces a rare gift.
Though he prefers a different material than history's most renowned sculptor, Mike Mistler's metal art evinces a rare gift. This Cardinals sculpture currently hangs in the office at Dam Steel.
