PROJECT SLOSS Attend National Conference on Cast Iron Art

ms' furnaces by pouring molten iron into molds that measure qualities of the furnace, such as who can produce the hottest metal. There are a lot of technical skills, and material familiarity that must go into this project. An iron pour is an event in which artists and metal casters come together to melt down and pour iron. The metal, which melts down at 2500° F in a handmade furnace called a cupola, is poured into molds made from ceramic shell or sodium silicate. The molds that we pour are our own sculptures. We, as students, are involved in every step of the process. Pouring metal is an exhilarating practice that most people never have the opportunity to experience. It requires a large group of people participating in a harmonious rhythm facilitating a kind of teamwork that is similar to an orchestra being led by a conductor. There are multiple jobs including running the furnace, prepping the molds, and pouring the actual metal. As students, we have been incredibly lucky to experience the craft of pouring metal. Being able to compete, and hopefully win, this contest allows us yet another lucky chance at a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please help our family of foundry students take advantage of this amazing experience. With your help we can further our practices as not only metal-casters but as artists working in a field dominated primarily by industrial work. By donating to and supporting our fund you are helping further the careers of a group of artists who not only love but are truly dedicated to what they do. The largest challenge associated with this project will be to excel beyond the competition in a national iron pouring competition. We, as students, are going to be judged against every student group that come to SLOSS from all around the country. We must construct a 10" furnace designed to melt iron faster, hotter, and produce the best quality metal compared to other student groups. All of the students in our group have a minimum of one year's experience working in a foundry. We are all up and coming artists with a focus in metal working, so we are qualified to diagnose and solve problems such as cupola failure, broken molds, or trouble with the metal castings. One of the main risks associated with this experience for us is that we are taking ourselves out of the classroom environment and entering into the professional world. We are putting our reputations as artists on the line. We need to go to the conference and prove to the vast iron casting community that we are skilled and professional at what we do.