VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, June 23
It’s time for another hot, Hot, HOT Iron Pour! Yes, for the 5th consecutive year, the Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Wasilla. The Valley will be buzzing with artists from across the country, as they gather to cast unique iron sculptures, create Raku pottery, and engage in other similar “fiery” events.
A team of skilled foundry men and women, consisting of Pat Garley, who owns Arctic Fires Bronze in Palmer, D’jean Jawrunner, a college professor from New Mexico who teaches metal casting, Donnie Keen a commercial foundry owner from Houston, Texas, and other local sculptors and skilled metal workers will demonstrate the fascinating 5000 year old iron casting process using a custom designed furnace known as a cupola.
In the weeks preceding this event, Pat Garley will be offering workshops in metal casting and mold making at his studio in Palmer. These workshops will continue at the VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, when these molds are poured with liquid iron. See scenes of last year’s event on our 2011 Art on Fire archives page... and for examples of completed iron sculptures that were displayed at the International Gallery of Contemport Art in Anchorage, see our 2012 Art on Fire Sculpture archive page.
Throughout the day, artist Karen Lopez, who owns “Still Waters Pottery” in Palmer, will conduct her Raku pottery workshop. Karen will provide each participant with a vessel or pot of unglazed ceramic ware, known as bisque, which the participants will decorate with a variety of glazes and then fire in one of Karen’s special Raku kilns. After a short firing, the “red hot” vessels will be placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials, a process that draws the oxygen out of the glaze and is responsible for the unique and completely unpredictable Raku look.
The Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques, Judy Vars will demonstrate Encaustic wax painting, and other fiery arts, such as glass flameworking, will also be demonstrated. The Alaska Wild Bird Rehab Center plans to have live rescued birds for display, and Sahara Storm Tribal Dance Troupe will perform. Live music and food will be available.
The VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, June 23. The ticket price is $10, with children under 12 admitted free. Please join the fun! We hope to turn this day into an extraordinary Iron Pour Art Fest in the Valley!
VAA partners with Valley Performing Arts!
The Valley Performing Arts will be holding their 2012 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony at the Machetanz Theatre located at 251 West Swanson in Wasilla on Wednesday, June 13.
In the lobby of the VPA theatre is the Valley Arts Alliance showcase that displays locally crafted original artwork made by Valley Arts Alliance members.
For the next several weeks, our showcase will contain ceramic works by Vickie Cole, Sandra Cook, Karen Lopez, and Dennis McKenzie.
New displays are being planned, so that we can provide VPA theatre guests with an opportunity to view our local community artists.
Just another example of the Valley Arts Alliance bringing the community together through the arts!
What is "Second Saturday"?
On one day each month—the “Second Saturday” here in the Valley—we are encouraging local art galleries, restaurants, and retail businesses to join in with local and regional artists, sculptors, musicians, and food masters for a festive day of art and entertainment.
This concept has been adopted in a variety of locations throughout America, and provides a festive atmosphere for visitors to plan a day on the town and browse the many participating stores and venues. A bookstore could schedule a book signing; a coffee shop could schedule a poetry reading; a gallery could have an artist demonstrate; or a retail establishment could provide space for a musician to play. All on the same day of the month—the Second Saturday.
The Valley Arts Alliance is coordinating the "Second Saturday" project. Just email us if you are willing to participate and we will attempt to match up artists and venues. For a complete list of participating Second Saturday venues, please sign up for our newsletter. It’s that easy! Join us in supporting the arts in our community, and in helping to make our art community grow.