Flask Around & Find Out

McCormick Sculpture & Hamline University

Let's talk about flasks! Bring your best hacks and tips to share in the discussion-style demonstration. We will cover:

1. Basic carpentry and shop math: get it right, get it tight

2. Rules of thumb, or other handy measuring devices you already have with you

3. Build instead of carve: getting your gating system right before you mix sand

4. Dystopian kitchen: low-cost (or free) solutions for foundry tools

5. Spacers, inserts, and clever tricks for filling odd shaped flasks

6. How much is too much: lean sand calculations to reduce materials

7. Do the hard part first: thinking through the process to save you time

8. Production value: how to make a lot of molds fast in your backyard

9. Sexy molds pour better: considering the aesthetics and function of well-made molds

10. Level playing field: making cups and risers that won’t let you down 

Advanced Lifecasting Demo

Maz- Mazmodae Banburski-Fahey

Assisted by Andrzej Banburski-Fahey

The Advanced Lifecasting Demo by Studio Maz gives viewers the opportunity to see a complex body-safe mold applied to a live model. This demo will cover material considerations, model preparation, mold application, demolding and casting. Equal emphasis will be placed on both the technical aspects of lifecasting as well as supporting the live model with appropriate preparation and aftercare. 

3D Sand Printing 101

Dave Rittmeyer (Matthews Additive Technologies)

What is it? How is it being used? Who is using it? Aerospace and other industrial foundries have been using 3D Sand Printing for decades. It has been available to the public for over a decade but hasn’t been promoted to many sculptors in the past. Come learn what 3D Sand Printing is and how you can use it. The basics of how the machines work will be discussed and there will be multiple examples shown in a presentation along with sample molds that will be poured. The limitations of the technology will be discussed along with the advantages 3D Sand Printing can offer an artist.

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Multiple 3D Printed sand molds will be available at the presentation for participants to examine. The 3D printed molds will be poured during the conference's production pour.

The Surface of Metals, Patinas You Can Create in Your Friends' Backyard

Rebecca Hollett (Canadian Contemporary Society of Iron Arts)

Join in for an exciting hands-on workshop exploring beautiful patinas you can create in a backyard! This
demonstration focuses on patinas for iron, revealing how simple steps can transform raw metal into stunning finishes. Perfect for metal artists, makers, and anyone interested in creative surface treatments, no prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to safely prepare and treat iron surfaces for patination

• Techniques for controlling color, texture, and aging effects

• Sealing and preserving patinas for long-lasting results

• Troubleshooting and perfecting your desired finish

Unlocking New Dimensions in Cast Iron Art through VR and Digital Workflow

Eric W Stephenson (Lunarburn Studio)

Assistant: Zack Miller

As digital tools rapidly evolve, Virtual Reality (VR) is now within reach of sculptors and educational institutions, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation. This demonstration explores how VR and 3D technology are transforming traditional casting workflows, reducing reliance on labor-intensive processes such as pattern making, rubber molds, and wax casting. By integrating 3D scanning, VR sculpting, file preparation, 3D printing, spruing, ceramic shell, and metal casting, this session reveals a streamlined approach that conserves both time and materials.  

Attendees will have the chance to step into a VR environment, experiencing firsthand how digital sculpting reshapes spatial awareness and design. The presentation will highlight the untapped possibilities of these tools, showing how they enhance creativity while making sculptural production more accessible and cost-effective. By skimming the surface of emerging technologies, this session invites artists to rethink their workflow, embrace digital integration, and push the boundaries of contemporary cast iron art.

Using Molten Iron for Mark-Making on Paintings

Matthew Mroz (Mroz Studio)

Emma Finnen (Western North Carolina Sculpture Center)

Victor Edwards (Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center)

In this demonstration, molten iron is used as a medium for mark making on prepared laminated paper mounted on canvas.  As the molten iron is dripped, poured, or drawn across the surface, it leaves striking, permanent marks, creating unique, intricate patterns. This technique merges industrial materials with traditional fine art, resulting in a dynamic and visually arresting artwork.