Raven Arts

I never thought I'd post a review of a model ship artist, but, if you ever need these services, Raven Arts is magnificent! I received a gift of an old model ship a few years ago. It was very damaged and, unaware of its value, I was literally holding a glue gun and toothpicks in my hand when it occurred to me that perhaps I should call a professional. Thankfully, Raven Arts was within driving distance--and after touring their facility, it was clear I was dealing with true artisans--and very nice people. Yes, it takes a very (very!) long time to get the work done and it is not inexpensive, but these people are true professionals and the results are absolutely gorgeous. I literally gasped when I saw my finished product lit up in their studio. I recommend Raven Arts without hesitation.

When my mother delivered our USS Niagara handmade model, it was, as it had been for half a generation, in a tied black garbage bag. It was broken, filthy, and had sat in a cousins garage/basement/hall closet for who knows how long.
The history is that it has sat on a credenza behind our Grandad's desk for his entire working career and now (2017), no one wanted it.
My mother and I considered throwing it away without opening the bag, but warm feelings of Grandad caused us to pause. Once opened, it had to be restored.
I searched for months to determine who, how, where, and if to restore her and it just so happened that Christian and Aura are within a comfortable day's round trip from our home.
Cutting to the chase, she (the Niagara) spent 16 months in "dry dock" and is now an heirloom quality piece that will be center stage wherever we are in the future. I reckon that our kids might even fight over it when we are gone.
The dedication and attention to detail shown by these two artisans is nothing short of remarkable. Please, see the before and after pics attached for a demonstration of their craft.

I hired Raven Arts in 2017 to restore a vintage model of my grandfather's last fishing vessel - the "Julia B." The Julia B. had been presented to my paternal grandfather, Spiro Babich, as a birthday gift in 1956, but had been stored for over 40 years in a cardboard box and was quite damaged. Raven Arts restored this family treasure to all her former glory. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship are unparalleled and I would highly recommend them. The Julia B. now resides in the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, WA - a symbol of my family's deep fishing roots in the community. My grandfather Spiro Babich would be proud. Thank you Raven Arts!

My incredibly thoughtful wife commissioned this model of the USS Ohio SSBN 726 as a 6th wedding anniversary gift for me. I served aboard six different submarines during my Navy career. The Ohio was my favorite as it was the most professionally operated and was the high point of my career.
Raven Arts has produced a true masterpiece for her, to give to me. The quality of this model is the best I've ever seen. There is obviously some creative license taken with flags flying, missiles tubes open, firing a torpedo and the beautiful shadows on the hull but if you want realistic, it's going to be way more boring. The case is a master piece in its own right. The precious woods are beautifully finished and the plastic case is flawless.
We live somewhat close so we arranged to pick up this work of art at their home and studio which they very graciously showed us around. My wife reports that AuraVaughn was extremely helpful and very nice. Her and her husband were very helpful in realizing my wife's vision.

As I mentioned earlier, this was a 6th wedding anniversary gift. 6 is iron. The sixth missile tube is partially open and showing an "iron diaphragm" and there are a total of six missile tubes in various states of being opened. I was a Torpedoman hence the torpedo being fired. I'm blown away by the thoughtfulness and accommodation of incorporating our sixth wedding anniversary into this model of one of the best submarines that has ever protected our nation.

I have no hesitation in recommending Raven Arts for producing the highest quality model ships and submarines.
I'll be commissioning models for the USS Cavalla SSN 684, USS Ethan Allen SSBN/SSN 608, USS Patrick Henry SSN 599 and the USS Birmingham SSN 695. I also served on the USS Michigan SSBN 727 but will probably be satisfied with the Ohio covering both. Who knows?

After careful research, I chose to entrust Raven Arts with the restoration and encasement of my totally wrecked and filthy 80 year old model clipper ship. I couldn't be happier I did. Throughout the course of the 18 month project Aura & Christian were friendly and informative. They responded quickly to my inquiries and provided advice and suggestions when needed. There were no surprises come billing time. The display they returned to me is beautiful and will be admired and treasured for generations to come.