IRON – SUMMER SESSION 3
JUNE 15-27, 2025 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Kevin Vanek
Nonferrous Foundry for Contemporary Sculpture

This workshop will cover ceramic shell molds and the lost-wax process, casting bronze and aluminum using a crucible blast furnace. We will explore a variety of patination processes including traditional chemical patinas, natural surface treatments, and nontraditional finishes. Foundry is a collaborative art practice, and we will all work together to create cast metal sculptures using ancient alchemical processes. This is a labor-intensive workshop. All levels; beginners encouraged. 

NOTE: we will not be casting iron in this workshop. 

Foundry director and associate professor of sculpture at University of North Carolina-Greensboro; other teaching: University of Southern Mississippi, National Conference on Cast Iron Art and Practices at Sloss Furnaces (AL), F.I.R.E Conference at the Metal Museum (TN); residencies: Franconia Sculpture Park (MN), Sloss Metal Arts (AL), Western North Carolina Sculpture Park; work in over 50 exhibitions including 40 Under 40: Next Generation of Metal Artists and We are Here: LGBTQIA+ Voices in the Contemporary Metals Community, both at the Metal Museum (TN). 

kevinvanek.com | @kevin_n_stuff

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens