Mesalands’ Iron Pour underway

QCS Senior Writer

More than 30 artists have arrived and started working on their projects for the 18th annual Iron Pour on Monday with more artists expected to arrive throughout the week at Mesalands Community College.

A week-long event of mold building, art shows and events will take place for Mesalands’ Iron Pour, culminating with the pouring of 4,000 pounds of molten iron.

"It is a busy time at Foundry building with chaos and excitement in the air,' said D'Jean Jawrunner, Mesalands’ fine arts faculty member and the creator of the college's Iron Pour.

Jawrunner said the artist began filing in and setting up shop as early as Sunday in preparation of the Iron Pour. She said as the day and week progress, more returning and some new artists will show up to take part in the event.

“It's an amazing atmosphere with so many wonderful people around,” said Bob Melton, of Richardson, Texas.

Melton said he and his wife, Sue, are attending the Iron Pour for the first time as students of Collin County Community College’s sculpting program. He said teachers and fellow artists have been helpful and kind.

“You are greeted with smile and there is always somebody ready to lend a hand be it faculty or artist,” Melton said.

Nathan Eyring, of Albuquerque, said this is also his first year participating in the Iron Pour, but not his first attending the event.

“This is something I’ve been meaning to do since 2009,” Eyring said. “I finally have gotten around to making the time to get it done.”

Eyring said he is familiar with nature of the Iron Pour by operating a mold shop for metal work in Albuquerque. He said the Iron Pour brings together a great group of people.

“As I look around the room, the thing that truly amazes me is how the event draws in so many artists of varying ages, sex and style,” Eyring said.

During the Iron Pour the public can come in and create their own custom iron tiles for $20 and the proceeds will benefit the Hot Metal Club at Mesalands, said Kimberly Hanna, Mesalands director of public relations.

Hanna said local residents can go the Foundry building to create their own unique tile that will be poured on Friday during the main event.