The 2026 Minneapolis Molten Metal Cast Iron Invitational

It’s back! This April, the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is proud to host the second annual Minneapolis Molten Metal Cast Iron Invitational, a five‑day, neighborhood‑scaled iron‑casting festival that transforms CAFAC into an open, collaborative foundry. By pairing hands-on workshops with a public iron pour, the Minneapolis Molten Metal demystifies an art form that is usually hidden behind industrial walls and invites residents, artists, and visitors to co‑create awe‑inspiring artworks with molten metal.

We’re hosting a series of iron workshops and events, including one-day scratch tile workshops and — the main event — a four-day intensive sand mold studio culminating in a community iron pour on April 4th!

This iron pour is an annual event open to the whole community, turning a once‑exclusive craft into a vibrant neighborhood ritual one that melts metal and the boundaries between artist, neighbor, and visitor.

Join us! Public viewing of the pour from 2 to 6pm on Saturday, April 4th. Hosted by an MC, with ASL interpretation provided.

Questions on the event, including accessibility considerations? Email us at info@cafac.org.