Iron Pour marks 20 years

More than 40 artist from across the country, residents and local fine art students will take part in the 20th Annual Iron Pour March 4-10 at Mesalands Community College.

"It seems like just yesterday, we were trying to get this event going; now here we are 20 years later," said D'Jean Jawrunner, event coordinator.

Jawrunner said this year's event not only marks two decades of success. It will also commemorate the dedication of the newly renovated Fine Arts classroom and Foundry building at Mesalands.

"I would have never dreamed that this event would have had so much success," Jawrunner said. "It has grown beyond just a yearly local event. It has taken on a life of its own."

Each year this unique workshop brings together a variety of fine arts students who throughout the week work to create their molds out of sand and plaster. At the climax of the Iron Pour molten iron reaching 2,800 degrees is poured into the molds, transforming them into cast iron works of art.

Jawrunner said over the years the popularity of the iron pour has drawn in artist from across the country. She said the event and Tucumcari have developed a symbiotic relationship.

"The event draws people to our community and our community welcomes them with open arms," Jawrunner said. "The event also draws in spectators, who marvel at the creation of the molds by the artist and the fiery display of the pour."

Jawrunner said the art pieces made at the iron pour have even sparked art shows across the state. She said one art show featuring pieces made at the iron pour will be held in October in Amarillo.

"All of us here at Mesalands are hard at work with the event just a week away," Jawrunner said. "We want the community to come out, witness and take part in the festivities."