Solsberry, IN–Down a winding, wooded country road past the Yoho Country Store, you’ll find the outdoor Sculpture Trails Museum. There are more than 100 sculptures created by artists all over the world to admire among the wooded, hilly trails, as well as a foundry where artists create some of the unique pieces here.
In July, visitors are encouraged to try their own hand at this ancient art. An aluminum pour lets kids and adults carve designs into a 5 x7 inch sand scratch block for $20, while foundry interns and staff pour the liquified aluminum into the casts for a permanent reminder of their visit.
Interns live in tents on the remote property during the month of July, helping advise the guests on designs and carving techniques, as well as preparing the metals, casting, sanding, and touring the facilities. Artists work in a former tobacco barn, and the iron and aluminum are melted in a furnace outside the barn.
It takes about 30 minutes for the aluminum furnace to reach 1275 degrees F, when the aluminum is ready to pour. After cooling, the interns then sand and grind the edges of each piece, ready for a visitor to take home.
On July 28, 2018, from noon to 10 p.m., the museum will host a nighttime iron pour called Fire@Nite. Visitors can also purchase scratch blocks or bowls and create works to take home at that event as well, and there will be fire performances after dark. There is no charge for watching the pour. For more information, visit https://www.sculpturetrails.com/calendar.