(Six-day Workshop)
Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Visiting artist information is forthcoming.
(Six-day Workshop)
Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Visiting artist information is forthcoming.
This workshop features extended shop time onsite at the Carrie Blast Furnaces and in-depth instruction / assistance catered to the needs of each individual. Participants will have the chance to learn and experiment with multiple pattern-making materials and create multiple large and complex multi-part sand molds.
Prior experience or Intro to Iron Casting is recommended. Registration includes access to the Carrie Furnaces foundry daily between 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and the ultimate experience of participating in an iron pour from a coke-fired cupola—just like the historic furnaces onsite!
All items for the workshop will be cast on Saturday, October 4 during the Festival of Combustion. Cooled castings can be picked up on the following Sunday.
Please note that the iron-casting operation is scheduled from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m., but it can often last eight or more hours. The actual start time for the casting period is determined the day of the event, based on mold count, outdoor temperature, and other factors. Additionally, the pick-up window is 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. However, it may be later than anticipated if the casting operation lasts long into the previous evening. Check with Rivers of Steel Metal Arts staff on the casting date for more specific information.
Weeklong Iron Intensive workshops include up to 400 lbs. of sand and corresponding chemical, waste removal and related foundry consumables. Sand and chemical needs beyond this allotted amount are available for $.31/lb. Any additional material fees must be paid upon pick up of the final castings at the end of the workshop period.
Weeklong iron intensive workshops are offered twice in 2025 on the following dates: May 26– 31 and September 29 – October 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
$500
*Workshops are limited to 15 participants. Advance registration required.
"We were at Rivers of Steel through the Wounded Warrior Project and it was awesome. I would recommend visiting these guys and having a ball!" —Paul Stajduhar, Metal Arts Workshop Attendee
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.
The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.
Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.
For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.