Weeklong Iron Intensive

(Six-day Workshop)
Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Visiting artists: TBA (May)
TBA (September / October).

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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 Blast 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. 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. 

Hours & Admission*

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.

General Admission 

$500

*Workshops are limited to 15 participants. Advance registration required.

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"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

Read more Google reviews

two artists pour ladle of molten iron
workshop participant Marsha tells works on the mold of her rocking horse cast during a weeklong iron intensive.
workshop participant and artist, Marsha Pells sand mold of a rocking horse is ready for casting.
workshop participant and artist, Marsha Pells prepares one side of her sand mold for a rocking horse.
workshop participant and artist, Marsha Pells works on the surface peparation for her iron rocking horse cast during a weeklong iron intensive.
The completed cast iron rocking horse poured during a weeklong iron intensive.
A large complex sand mold being prepared for casting
Three iron workers pour hot metal into molds.
cast iron pigs used as mold weights during weeklong iron intensive workshops.
Evening Iron casting demonstration

Location & Directions

The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.

The address for the National Historic Landmark is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

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What to Know Before You Go

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

  • What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. If you would like to participate in the casting portion of the workshop then work boots are required footwear. We have all other necessary safety gear on site. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven – sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
  • Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand-washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
  • Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
  • Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, and there is an ADA ramp into the Power House where workshops are held. The surrounding grounds are not wheelchair accessible, but some assistance is available. Inquire for details.
  • COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies.
  • Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
  • Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  • Location: 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.

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.

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