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.
The Doodle Bowl Experience
3-hour Make-and-Take
Invite your friends for a night of fun and creativity at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. Doodle your own bowl and bring your own booze for this Doodle Bowl Experience!
This program is offered on the following dates: March 27th, April 24, May 22, June 13, July 10, August 7, September 11, October 16 & November 13, 2022
Aluminum Casting Session
3-Hour Workshop
Join Rivers of Steel to create a unique work of art from aluminum! Using everyday materials, you’ll create a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand—then watch as Rivers of Steel’s foundry crew casts your artwork from molten metal!
2022 workshops are April 11, May 9, June 6, July 18, August 29 and October 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Intro to Iron Casting
3-day Workshop
Work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work, pattern and mold making, and receive a step by step overview of the iron casting process.
The next workshop is October 6 – 8 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 2022 on the following dates: June 20 – 26 (large molds) and October 3 – 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. October’s workshop is for small molds only and includes participation in the annual Festival of Combustion. Visiting artists will be announced soon.
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 three times in 2022 on the following dates: May 24-26, July 26-28 and September 6-8 from 4:00 to 8:30 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.
