“This fiery spectacle is a lot more than a crowd pleaser. The Iron Pour is a rare chance to watch an intense artmaking process up close.”
Over the next few weeks leading up to the 8th Annual Iron Pour, we are introducing the artists involved with this year’s pour. The first part of this mini-series highlights two master pourers that have lead and participated since the very beginning!
““The purpose of this public event is to bring excitement and motivate everyone to immerse themselves in arts and the art-making processes.” ”
Meet Michael…
Waller is a Kinston, North Carolina native and has been working as a professional sculptor for over 20 years. He received his BFA from East Carolina University in 1997. In 2003, he became involved in the Durham non-profit sculpture studio and foundry Liberty Arts and began working as a full-time professional sculptor, creating Durham’s iconic bronze bull “Major” with fellow sculptor Leah Foushee Waller.
Michael has been involved with Liberty Arts since 2001, working closely with the founding members in the development of the George Watts Hill Pavilion for the Arts. After 12 years of working as Liberty Arts Facilities Manager and Artist in Residence, Michael joined the board of directors in 2013 and served as co-administrator of The Bull City Sculpture Show.
““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.””
Meet TripP…
I was an artist at the age of five, when I started copying the Sunday Comics in my hometown of Holly Springs, North Carolina. I followed my passion for art through school and completed an art degree at East Carolina University. A simple soapstone carving made me fall in love with the ability to shape one of the hardest materials on Earth with my own hands; I knew I would be a sculptor.
About Iron Pour
Every November since 2016, Liberty Arts has hosted a free public arts expereince in Durham Central Park. More than 3,000 attendees are expected to watch teams of artists operate three furnaces that heat thousands of pounds of iron to unfathomable temperatures. Throughout the evening, pour masters, from UNCG, WNCSC and Durham Tech will create iron tiles designed during the scratch block workshops and sculptures made by various NC artists.
Breaking Iron
Are you interested in supporting Liberty Arts, connecting with the community and releasing frustration in a fun way? If so, we are looking for volunteers! There are many ways that your support can contribute to this year’s 8th Annual Iron Pour experience. One exciting way is to join us every Thursday to break down iron, if you are interested, please visit us at Liberty Arts Support.
Admission To Iron Pour
Iron Pour is free and open to the public, though we highly encourage visitors to reserve an e-ticket through Event Brite. There is also plenty of free parking spaces available
8th Annual Iron Pour
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 4:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Durham Central Park
Liberty Arts
Liberty Arts was founded in 2001, as a non-profit corporation dedicated to making art accessible to everyone. Our collective of artists have made some of the most iconic sculptures in Durham, the roster includes Major, the bronze bull who stands proudly at Durham’s Civic Plaza, who was created by Liberty Arts co-founder Mike Waller.
Liberty Arts believes that art practices, creative collaborations, and sustainable partnerships contributes to the overall well-being and fosters strong community connections in Durham and throughout The Triangle.
The Annual Iron Pour is our largest fundraising event, and your contribution allows us to provide year-round art education programming and exciting and free community events.