Lead welder Edwin Ramirez, left, artist Jenna Didier and architect Warren Techentin stand in front of “La Cage aux Folles,” a work in progress that will go on exhibit in front of Materials & Applications in April. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
Architect Warren Techentin, right, talks with lead welder Edwin Ramirez about the 20-by-25-foot steel bird cage being constructed for a Materials & Applications installation. At left is Farnoosh Rafaie. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)