NPR goes to Carlson & Co. to cover the closing of the art fabrication facility that was behind so many important Contemporary pieces:

[audio:http://www.artmarketmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/20100530_atc_09.mp3|titles=NPR on Closing of Carlson & Co.]

After nearly four decades, Carlson & Co. is closing its doors forever. The tight economy and the costs associated with fabricating some of this art has made it impossible for Carlson to keep up.

Carlson started this company in 1971. Until recently, 95 people worked here on art that is now displayed at some of most famous museums in the world.

A giant balloon rabbit — another Koons design — sat in a corner. At the center of the factory floor was a 10-foot high plaster sculpture of Play-Doh. It was unfinished, and Carlson can’t talk about which artist is behind the project, but it’s rumored to be another Koons piece.

The giant sculptures that have been created here have sold for millions. The names of the artists who’ve hired Carlson make up the who’s who of the modern art world.

An Art Factory Goes Out of Business (NPR)