The annual fall iron pour hosted by SIU Carbondale’s School of Art and Design is Nov. 8. (SIU Carbondale photos)
October 28, 2025
SIU School of Art and Design 2025 Iron Pour is Nov. 8
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A lecture by internationally known mixed media sculptor Joseph Bigley is part of this year’s free, annual fall cast iron pour activities by students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design sculpture program.
The iron pour begins at noon Saturday, Nov. 8, in the school’s Foundry Complex at 1520-1560 W. Pleasant Hill Road. Those attending will have the chance to create their own cast iron artworks on scratch blocks comprising resin-bonded sand used in making molds. The festivities will include other activities, such as T-shirt printing by Southern Illinois Print Works and demonstrations from the blacksmithing department.
Alex Lopez, an associate professor in the sculpture program, said organizers expect the metal to start flowing before 1 p.m. with the goal of finishing before 5 p.m. A variety of shapes and sizes of scratch blocks will be available for everyone to participate, and their designs will be cast on site. The price range is $20 to $30 for blocks of different shapes, including hearts, squares, rectangles and ovals, he said. About 50 scratch blocks will be available.
The pouring activity will continue until all the pours are finished. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. The event is co-sponsored by Critical Forum, also known as C4, the sculpture club’s registered student organization.
Anthony Deal, an assistant professor of practice also in the sculpture program, noted the event’s legacy is the collaboration with other creatives within the school, including the printmaking and metals program.
“SIU has traditionally been a leader in sharing the magic of iron casting with both students and the public,” said Deal, who earned his Master of Fine Arts from SIU Carbondale. “As I’ve traveled across the United States to take part in similar events, I’ve seen firsthand how much impact SIU has had on this art form. When I walk into our foundry and start working, I feel a sense of gratitude and respect knowing I’m part of SIU’s legacy.”
Visiting artist lecture
Bigley, a lecturer in Appalachian State University’s studio art program and founder of the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center and Park, will give a free, public lecture at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in Faner Hall, Room 1326. The lecture is sponsored by the Visiting Artists Program and Fine Arts Activity fund.
Bigley’s presentation “will not only cover his journey as a sculptor but also his insights into developing the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center and Park from the ground up,” Deal said.
Bigley will also meet with students and discuss their creative works. Bigley’s work has been shown across the United States, China, the Netherlands, Spain, Montevideo (Uruguay) and Berlin. He has also worked as an assistant professor of art and sculpture at Spelman College in Atlanta.
Watch a video of the 2023 Iron Pour.
