Shaping metal

More than 50 artists, students and area residents took part in the 20th anniversary Iron Pour this weekend at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari.

"This is not how I envisioned it would be 20 years ago," said D'Jean Jawrunner, faculty, event founder.

Jawrunner said she had no idea what was to come from the first batch of molten iron being poured all those years ago. She said since its start the iron pour has become a living breathing extension of the college, community and participants.

"So many great people, whom I consider family, take the time to come home to Tucumcari," Jawrunner said. "It's a great feeling for them to love this event, it's even greater when they love Tucumcari."

Jawrunner said while it may seem the essence of the pour is the molten metal, its true heart lies in the people.

"It doesn't matter if the piece come out perfect or not," Jawrunner said. "It's about spending time with such wonderful people. Being with kindred souls."

One such artist, Cynthia Handel, of Livingston, Montana, said her first trip to the iron pour has been a 20-year journey in the making.

"I have been searching for D'Jean for 20 years," Handel said. "I have heard of the Iron Pour before but did not make the connection."

Handel said she was invited to the event by faculty member Joel Kiser.

On Friday, after a week of preparation, everyone gathered for the opening ceremonies and dedication of the renovations to the foundry building.

"It is bittersweet to see this event reach it's 20th anniversary and celebrate the foundry building renovations," said Thomas Newsom, Mesalands President.

Newsom said when he first took the office of president, the foundry building had several issues that needed to be addressed - including one classroom that had standing water after every rainfall.

"I am truly happy that these renovations were completed before my departure," Newsom said.

Newsom said the renovations, totaling $1.2 million, will help ensure the longevity of the Iron Pour.

As the furnaces heated up, artists and students began putting on war paint for the day ahead of them.

"This is something that started last year and we just wanted everyone to be involved in a tradition," said Leslie Flethcer of Fort Worth Texas.

When the iron was ready to pour, every batch of molten metal was greeted by Jawrunner with a warriors cry.

"I've always been very loud," Jawrunner said. "I was once told by a former teacher, 'If I don't hear you, I think you're absent.'"