Metal Arts Workshop—Intro to Iron Casting

Your family gets a hands-on introduction to metalworking over three days at this community workshop run by Rivers of Steel teaching artists. No experience needed—you'll learn the foundry process from start to finish, including mold design, lost-wax casting, and working with sand molds before creating your own piece in molten iron. Bring an object or model you'd like to cast, or choose from pre-made options the team has on hand. By the end, you'll take home a solid iron casting roughly the size of a loaf of bread (or create two smaller pieces). The workshop fee ($315) covers foundry access during posted hours and the chance to witness an actual iron pour from an old-style coke-fired cupola—a rare, unforgettable experience. The casting happens on Saturday, with your finished pieces ready for pickup the following Sunday morning. Keep in mind this is at a historic industrial site, so come prepared: wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, bring sturdy boots for the casting day, and dress for the weather since the workshop space isn't temperature controlled. The grounds are uneven with limited amenities (portable bathrooms available, no food), but that raw, authentic setting is very much part of the experience. Limited ADA accessibility is available—contact Rivers of Steel for specifics about your needs.