liberty arts 10th annual iron pour
november 14th, 2026 // 4pm to 9pm // durham central park
what is the iron pour?
Every November since 2016, Liberty Arts has hosted a FREE public arts event in Durham Central Park. Over 5,500 attendees gather to watch teams of artists build furnaces which heat pieces of iron to unfathomable temperatures. All evening and into the night, thousands of pounds of molten iron will be poured into molds in an exciting fiery display, creating iron tiles designed by the public and sculptures made by NC artists. The event will also feature performances, local food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and opportunities to learn from and engage with this spectacular art form.
Iron Pour is Fun and its a fundraiser!
It’s our largest fundraiser! When you make a small donation, become a local partner, or join us as a distinguished sponsor, you provide direct support to our community initiatives. Your Iron Pour contribution helps sustain programming like IRON HEROES and 3rd Friday Events.
Iron Pour is Accessible for All!
Iron Pour is wheelchair-accessible via Foster Street, with paved road/walkway surrounding the pour site. Some seating is available on park benches, with limited visibility to the pour site from these benches. For better visibility to the Pour, attendees can stand or sit on the grass or on paved areas closer to the pour site. Here is more information about accessibility.
IRON HEROES is a casting program designed by Liberty Arts artist Tripp Jarvis to engage veterans and youth from traditionally underserved communities. This program runs in the spring and fall, with the latter cohort coinciding with the Annual Iron Pour.
Iron Heroes students participate in a nine week metal casting course, connecting with their fellow students and channeling their inner hero! This program is free for its participants.
How does it work?
meet the artists
tripp Jarvis - pourmaster
“Iron casting has always been my service to Liberty Arts, to the Durham community, and to society at large. As artists at Liberty, we are brothers and sisters in creation; each inspiring and engaging the world in our own unique ways; every time striving to provide a meaningful experience - one that renews your faith to wield any fire that burns in the heart of your heart. And to remind you, that you are, and always have been worthy to carry that fire.”
KIMBERLY FOYTLIN-ZHANG- Furnace captain
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Kimberly has always valued the strong sense of place and community her hometown offers. After earning her BFA in Sculpture from East Carolina University she joined Liberty Arts. Passionate about making the intense and alchemical process of iron casting accessible, she encourages all to join her team and experience the power of the pour. Her work reflects a respect for both material and process, balancing the technical with the autonomous nature of casting.
+ Featuring pour teams from UNCG, WNCSC, Mixxer, & STARWORKS
scratch block Workshops
Liberty Arts’ broader community can be a part of the Iron Pour by carving their very own design in a scratch block! A limited number of workshops will be made available to the public. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to get notified once these classes become available! Early bird pricing will be in effect!
Scratch block workshops coming soon for 2026!
this year’s iron pour will feature:
Coming soon!
With Performances by:
Coming soon!
Meet us at Durham Central Park!
Durham Central Park is located at 501 Foster Street. There is parking available in the Farmer’s Market Lot on Morris Street. Foster Street will be blocked off between W Corporation St and Hunt St.
Want to get involved?
thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
