Art Foundry bronze pour in bold interpretation by Susan Raines

With all the galleries in town it would take far longer than one Second Saturday Art Walk to get a good look at the local talent that is being shown each month. There are exhibits of all kinds in all styles of galleries including hair salons and sandwich shops which despite seeming an oddity is actually part of the flavor of the whacky, arty life of midtown. Of course, the evening hours for this event can make it easier to view the creative interpretations of life when most galleries close quickly after regular work hours and may or may not be open during the weekends. The Second Saturday party atmosphere seems to call to an eclectic group of people that not only enjoy art but simply enjoy being part of the art scene; and for some, it’s just a bit of love for a party.

Garr Ugalde's one of Three Graces - photo by Susan Raines

One of the most audience-conducive events of the monthly Art Walk would be the Art Foundry bronze pour. There’s nothing like a bit of fire and heat and liquid metal to capture the attention of patrons eager to see some sculpture in the making. The Art Foundry shop lines up rows of chairs bordered by safety ropes to keep viewers at a safe distance and at 7:30 the chairs fill up and the metal turns to flowing fire ready to be poured into glorious shapes of sculpted art. During February’s Second Saturday the Foundry owner, Alan Osborne, and shop supervisor, Jeff Farley, described the process and demonstrated the bronze pour workings. 

Shop supervisor Jeff Farley likes it hot. Art Foundry bronze pour demonstration during Second Saturday. Photo by Susan Raines.

Although the descriptive details were clear and simple and the eye-witness opportunity revealing, the magic of bronze undoubtedly remains magical for those who are inspired by three-dimensional art. The application of heat to create figures that summon associations of cold metal and fire in a mad mixture of passion and design makes a visit to the Art Foundry a necessity for those who want to experience what Second Saturday is all about. And inside the gallery, beyond the gritty and fascinating core of the working shop, lies a multitude of artwork of all kind.

 

The fine sculpture of Garr Ugalde was one of the most recent pours that brought his Three Graces to life. And, life indeed resonates from these masterful forms in such a manner that calls one to circle round and come around again while surveying each angle and each subtle curve and fold. Ugalde’s Three Graces speak volumes and when combining the experience of a bronze pour with a meeting of the artist, as well as encountering the gentle and unmistakable good nature of the foundry owner, Osborne,  one could be gratified by the evening’s events and perhaps forget the parties and the wine and the rest of the town and …perhaps not.

 

 

In the upstairs gallery of the Art Foundry there is another sort of sculptor who works her magic in metal with abstract shapes in angles and curves and various metallic hues. Taylore Gutermute occupies one of the many studios that house the work of artists that could easily fill one’s night with viewing pleasure. The two story building is a treasure of talent and variety. But, if the Art Foundry on 1021 R Street is not destined to be your focus, there are more than forty other galleries and art inclusive shops and restaurants that are ready to welcome Art Walk patrons. You can find out about a few more of these Art Walk destinations in part 2 of the Second Saturday Season of Love found here.  Please subscribe above to receive notice of  subsequent articles in Susan Raines’ Events column. Don’t miss the next notice or review. Subscriptions are free! Please see the SLIDESHOW below.