Mesalands set to host 18th annual Iron Pour

Staff Report

Mesalands Community College will host its 18th annual Iron Pour on March 6-12, drawing in students from across the country to create works of art at the Mesalands foundry.

Approximately 40 students will participate in the weeklong course, where students create sculptures and translate them into cast iron pieces of art. The community is encouraged to participate in the various activities scheduled throughout the week.

“This Iron Pour has welded together a community both from our local citizens and from our students who come every year because they feel a part of Mesalands, the Iron Pour experience, and the community,” said D'Jean Jawrunner, fine arts faculty and the creator of the College's Iron Pour. “Without the local support of our community, providing sand, meeting our students and being warm and friendly, there would not be the spirit and the desire to come back year after year.”

Community members should be advised that the furnace "Peechy Keen" from the Keen Foundry in Houston, Texas will be returning this year. Therefore, be prepared for another quick and exciting pour. During last year's iron pour, students poured 4,000 pounds of iron in only two and a half hours. This was the fastest iron pour in the history of the program at Mesalands.

Schedule of events:

March 8

Art Show and Slideshow.

The Art Show will begin at 6:30 p.m., in the Mesalands Great Room, a slideshow of artists work will follow. Sculptures created by students during prior iron pours will be on display throughout the week in the Library.

March 9

Movie Night

Starting at 8:30 p.m., at the Historic Odeon Theater. There will be a special screening of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Must be 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by a parent. Free admission for Mesalands students with a College ID.

March 10

Meet the Iron Pour artists

The community is invited to meet the artist of this year’s iron pour from 2 to 4 p.m., at the foundry. Free popcorn and drinks will be served. Community members will also have the chance to create their own custom iron tiles for $20. Proceeds will benefit the Hot Metal Club at Mesalands. The tiles will be poured on Friday.

March 11

Opening Ceremonies will begin at noon at the foundry. Also, the “Art of the Rat Rod” Car Show will be provided by Tucumcari's Team Cutters Car Club, starting at noon throughout the pour in the North American Wind Research and Training Center Bay.