Help Silverton Master Craftsman Josh “J.W.” Kinsey Save His Studio

No one ever wants to ask for help. But sometimes even the most hardworking and independent people reach a moment when they need the support of the community around them.

Josh “J.W.” Kinsey is one of those people.

For more than twenty-five years, JW has created extraordinary works that blend art, engineering, and imagination. From his studio in Silverton, Oregon, he designs and fabricates intricate mechanical sculptures, lighting, telescopes, and custom installations—each piece built by hand with remarkable patience and precision.

Every project begins with raw materials and evolves through hours—often months—of design, machining, carving, casting, and assembly. Many of his works contain hundreds or even thousands of individually fabricated parts.

You can see examples of his work on his website.

A Lifetime of Work in the Community

JW’s installations and custom work can be found throughout the continental United States, and his artwork has sold internationally. Locally, installations include:

• Lunaria Gallery

• Larson & Flynn

• Willamette Valley Vineyards

• Willamette Valley Vineyards – Vancouver Waterfront

• Domaine Willamette

• The Hubbard Inn

• North Third (Stayton)

• Silverton Tattoo Co.

• Bowen Designs

• Cherry City Electric

His work also lives in numerous private collections throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond.

When the Economy Tightens

When the economy tightens, the financial impact is felt quickly.

Artists whose livelihoods depend on commissioned work feel those changes immediately. When people cut discretionary spending, custom artwork is often one of the first things postponed. This past year has been especially difficult. JW was unable to work for nearly three months due to serious health issues, including multiple ER visits and surgery. At the same time, his wife Katelyn has been unable to work for nearly two years due to degenerative health issues and is currently applying for disability. Earlier this year JW had seven months of commissions lined up, but within the past month every one of those projects cancelled as clients pulled back due to economic uncertainty.

At the Edge Again

JW and Katelyn have faced devastating hardship before. During the 2009 recession they lost their home and business and ultimately declared bankruptcy, rebuilding their lives piece by piece. Today they are facing another frightening moment. Over the past several years, while navigating health challenges and slow periods of work, they relied on credit cards simply to survive. High interest rates have created a cycle where much of what they earn goes toward interest instead of reducing the debt. They are now at risk of losing their home—which also houses JW’s studio and his ability to work.

Our Goal

We have set a goal to help JW and Katelyn stabilize during this difficult time.

These funds will help:

This support will give JW the breathing room he needs to keep working and rebuild his commission pipeline and not risk losing his house.

Have an idea you’ve been wanting to see realized? JW would much rather bring your vision to life—creating something meaningful beats even the kindest donation.

Why This Matters

Artists like JW are part of what makes communities like Silverton special. Their work adds creativity, craftsmanship, and character to the places we gather, dine, and celebrate. Supporting JW is about more than helping one artist through a difficult moment—it's about preserving the kind of creativity and craftsmanship that enriches our community.

If you are able to contribute, thank you. If not, sharing this campaign helps just as much. Every gesture helps keep the tools running, the studio lights on, and the creative spark alive.