Inspired by the legacy of iron-making at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, Rivers of Steel’s Metal Arts program offers educational workshops, public demonstrations, and team-building experiences highlighting foundry work.
Metal Arts
Our educational workshops offer a range of hands-on opportunities for both youth and adults to get involved at the novice, intermediate, and experienced skill levels. Participants work hand in hand alongside fellow attendees, Rivers of Steel staff, and visiting artists from across the country.
Sculptural Aluminum Casting
3-day Workshop
This workshop will introduce the process used to create three-dimensional sculptural forms in cast aluminum—patternmaking, mold making and casting. This program is offered twice in 2021 on the following dates: June 8 – 10 and August 17 – 19 from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Aluminum Casting Session
3-Hour Workshop
This workshop is a great way to explore the metal casting process and try something new! No prior experience or artistic background necessary! Take a class with a friend; create a special gift or unique piece of art. This program is offered five times in 2021, on Monday May 10, Monday June 7, Monday, July 12, and Monday August 16 and Monday October 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Intro to Iron Casting
3-day Workshop
Intro to Iron Casting participants work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work, pattern and mold making, and receive an overview of the iron casting process step by step. This program is offered twice in 2021 on the following dates: June 24 – 26 and September 16 – 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Weeklong Iron Intensives
Six-day Workshop
This workshop features extended shop time and in-depth instruction / assistance catered to the needs of each individual. Participants will have the chance to learn and experiment with multiple patternmaking materials and create multiple large and complex multi-part sand molds. This program is offered twice in 2021 on the following dates: June 21 – 26 and September 13 – 18 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visiting artists include Carl Billingsley and D’Jean Jawrunner.
The Doodle Bowl Experience
3-hour Make-and-Take
DYOB with BYOB! Doodle your own bowl and bring your own bottle of booze for this Doodle Bowl Experience! Participants will create a unique bowl design (doodle bowl) to be cast in solid aluminum! Finished bowl castings can be taken home at the end of the night. This program is offered on the following Sundays: May 23, June 13, July 18, August 22 & November 14, and on Monday, October 4, and Monday, October 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Team Building
Transformative experiences are at the core of Rivers of Steel’s mission. Plan an event for your team that encourages them to discover new perspectives and connect with one another in fresh ways.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.
