This class will be an introduction to small/mid-scale sand casting of bronze. This class will first cover the direct carving and casting of negative molds in a variety of traditional materials. Students will then be creating a positive object/tile form by carving and adding materials to an oil-based clay substrate, making a sand mold of the object/tile form, then melting and casting bronze into the prepared mold. This will be followed by clean-up, patina and finish of the bronze artwork. (Note, this class will not be covering any lost wax methods of casting).

Please bring the following materials to class: cotton clothing, some form of hair restraint (if needed), leather-palm gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and closed-toe shoes or boots. James will contact students prior to class.

James Vistewas raised on a farm in Door County. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master of fine art degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is a nationally known blacksmithing demonstrator and exhibitor and has participated in several national Ironwork Restoration Projects, including at Cranbrook Educational Community, The Charles Lang Freer House and The Detroit Institute of Arts. He has worked for studios in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Michigan. He is currently the Manager of Edgewise Forge LLC in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Level: Beginner