Description

Have you been to The Steel Yard, seen us casting metal, and wanted to be part of the action? Or are you intrigued by the idea of ladling molten metal to create cast aluminum artwork? Then, this workshop is for you!

This spring we’re changing it up a bit and offering this class in aluminum instead of cast iron, to give artists an opportunity to have experience with and work in a different material.

Under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor, students will learn the fundamentals of the aluminum casting process: creating two-part sand molds, intuitive carving using a variety of tools and processes, and preparing their molds for casting. Finally, students will learn the basics of how to run a crucible furnace and pour molten aluminum into their molds. Safety procedures will be reviewed and students will work closely with our Furnace Captain to ensure a safe and successful pour. At the end of class, students will divest their molds and clean up their castings to reveal a unique piece of aluminum artwork.

Students are encouraged to bring items they would like to cast (with prior coordination and approval from instructor); instructor will also have some sample bottles openers and trivets that students can use to make cast pieces if they are unsure of what they would like to cast and are simply looking to get an introduction to the process.

Course tuition covers 15 pounds of aluminum and 150 pounds of sand per student; additional metal or sand will be charged by the pound. This course encompasses four Saturdays; the Mold-Making workshop runs from 10am-5pm on Saturdays, April 11, 18, and 25, the aluminum pour will be held on Saturday May 9th as part of the Steel Yard’s Spring Open Studios.

No previous experience necessary.