in 1993, with no previous training, schermer took courses in drawing and watercolor. since then, he has exhibited several works of original art. three of his monotypes were added to the smithsonian american art museum in 2002. he was commissioned to do a type sculpture for the smithsonian american art museum, entitled "an america puzzle" he has completed large wood type sculptures for the university of montana school of journalism, the university of iowa school of journalism in iowa city, iowa, the knight foundation board room in miami, florida, the "washington post" building, and the home of "new york times" columnist thomas friedman.