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.
Blacksmithing Basics
3-Hour Workshop
Join Rivers of Steel and learn to hammer hot metal! This 3-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. Special holiday workshops include Halloween Date Night on October 26 and Holiday Ornaments on November 12, 2023.
Sessions are led by Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks) and offered on the following dates: December 10, 2023 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Additional winter 2024 workshops include the following from 3 – 6:00 p.m. January 21 & February 11, 2024.
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. Carve your own bowl and bring your own booze for this Doodle Bowl Experience!
This program is offered on the following dates in 2023 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.: March 30, April 23, May 18, June 11, July 6, August 31, October 12, & November 5, 2023. A special afternoon Doodle Bowl session is offered on August 6, 2023 from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Aluminum Casting Session
3-Hour Workshop
Join Rivers of Steel to create a unique work of art from aluminum! Using oil clay, 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!
Aluminum Casting Sessions are offered on April 17, May 15, June 5, July 10, August 14, & September 11, 2023 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.
This program is a three-day workshop offered Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bladesmithing 1
three-day Workshop
This three-day workshop features extended shop time and instruction focusing on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to forge a blacksmithing knife with scroll handle from a single piece of steel.
These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks) and meet daily from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 2024 dates include January 9 – 11 and February 20 – 22.
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. Weeklong intensive workshops are offered twice in 2023 on the following dates: June 19 – 25 (large molds only) and October 2 – 7 (small molds only) from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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 2023 on the following dates: May 30-June 1, and September 12-14 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.
