Published on August 07, 2026
The City's "Grand Prairie Proud" campaign was on full display at a national art competition.
Grand Prairie native Joaquin Soto took a branded flag to Scrapfest 16 in Lansing, Michigan in mid-July.
Soto was chosen as a juror for the event that drew more than 10,000 people to see 54 metal sculptures created by teams of artists from across the country.
"It was an incredible honor to be selected as a juror for such a prestigious event," Soto said. "I taught myself the basics of welding in my parents’ shed in northern Grand Prairie. To have come from those humble beginnings to where I am today is exactly why I’m proud to say I’m Grand Prairie Proud."
Scrapfest teams first met on the first weekend in May to collect 500 pounds of scrap steel from a local junkyard in Lansing.
They then were given one month to create their sculpture at their own personal studios before delivering it in June.
The pieces are on display and available at an online auction on the Scrapfest website.
See the Scrapfest 16 sculptures