Peninsula School of Art (PenArt), 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, welcomes artists and art enthusiasts of all ages on Saturday, October 12, for two family-friendly events from 4–8pm – the tenth annual Community Iron Pour Event and an artist demonstration in conjunction with the opening of the School’s latest exhibition, Wax: Contemporary Methods. For $20, attendees can create their own 5”x5” iron tile or watch the pour free of charge. The exhibition reception and demonstration are also free and open to the public.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are five or 95, or whether you believe you are ‘artistic’ or not, anyone and everyone can be successful at creating an iron tile.” says PenArt Executive Director Catherine Hoke.
With the help of Artist/Facilitator Teresa Lind, several hundred sand and resin molds will be prepared in advance of the event. Using simple tools, participants scratch their own designs into the performed molds and then watch the casting process from start to finish. A temporary iron furnace is constructed on the grounds of PenArt for the event. At dusk, around 6:30pm, the dramatic pour of white-hot, molten iron begins, continuing until all the tiles are poured. Tiles will be cool enough for participants to take home that evening or may be picked up on Sunday morning.
In addition, from 4-6pm artist Sarah Rehmer (IL), whose work is on display in the new exhibition Wax: Contemporary Methods will demonstrate the encaustic (hot wax) painting process. Also featured in the exhibition are Door County artist Nan Helscher (WI) and regional and national artists Kristy Deetz (WI), Annie Ewaskio (NY), Laura Moriarty (NY), Margaret Noel (NY) , Paul Rinaldi (IL), Amanda Salov (WA), James Edward Scherbarth (MN), and Liz Rundorff Smith (SC).
“At first glance wax may seem like an odd choice of painting medium” says Hoke, “but the medium has been used for centuries and is seeing a resurgence among contemporary painters, like those in the exhibition. Each of the artists takes a unique approach to the possibilities of painting and creating with wax – both hot and cold.”
Wax is naturally solid at room temperature, so it must be altered with heat or chemistry to make it workable. However, wax, particularly beeswax, has many advantageous characteristics that make it worth these extra steps. Wax binds pigments. It is translucent, allowing light to travel through and back out again, giving colors a unique luminescence. Wax adheres to many surfaces and can therefore be used to bind objects together or encapsulate them. It builds layers and textures. The surface can be made rough, matte, smooth, or glossy. Beeswax is impermeable to moisture and, given the right preparation, does not discolor over time.
The exhibition will also feature a “touch station” where attendees can get up close with the tools and techniques of painting in wax.
From 4:30-7pm, Ben Larson, will provide live entertainment. Participants can enjoy a dinner of pulled pork sandwiches and sides for $8, sponsored by the AC Tap. Seasonal refreshments will be provided by event sponsor Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
No reservations are needed for either event and there are no tile pre-sales. Donations are taken at the door the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the public and community art education programs of Peninsula School of Art. Additional information on these and other programs can be found at www.PeninsulaSchoolofArt.org.
Peninsula School of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts through education, exhibitions and accessible public programs. PenArt is located at 3900 County Hwy F, in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Summer and Fall hours (May-Oct) are Monday through Saturday, 8am-5pm. For more information about Peninsula School of Art workshops, exhibitions, and community programs, call 920-868-3455 or email info@PeninsulaSchoolofArt.org.
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