hello May!
Support Iron Heroes and attend artist events! Join Liberty Arts for upcoming classes, events, and programming.
Metalmorphosis: Durham Tech Sculptural Welding Student Art Show
Special Pop-Up Exhibition!
MAY 1 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Join Liberty Arts and Durham Tech for Metalmorphosis, a special pop-up presentation of work by students in the college’s Sculptural Welding and Metalworking course. In March, Instructor Ben Lock and his students collaborated with Liberty Arts to run an aluminum pour in the Liberty Arts Foundry; the work shown in this exhibition reflects the explorations students have made in welding this semester, along with a peek into the new skills they developed during their first metal casting experience.
This event is free and open to the public. Register to attend using Eventbrite!
IRON HEROES COHORT POUR & FUNDRAISER
save the date
May 15 | 6:00pm -8:30pm
Join Liberty Arts and the Spring 2026 Iron Heroes for the highlight of their nine week program! Instructed by Tripp Jarvis, this group of five veterans will cast the aluminum sculptures that they’ve carefully crafted this season. Take part in workshops inspired by the program, meet the students, alumni and their instructor, learn about the program and support this initiative that connects veterans and youth with creative opportunities.
Third Friday is FREE and open to the public. Learn more and RSVP by registering on Eventbrite.
THE SPRING EPHEMERAL: ALYSA CANTOR
SAVE THE DATE
MAY 15 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Join Liberty Arts in the Durham Food Hall’s Looseleaf Gallery for a presentation of work by artist Alysa Cantor. The Spring Ephemeral takes its name from the plants that complete their entire life cycle in the fleeting window before the forest canopy closes. This collection of experimental cyanotypes and mixed media serves as a series of field notes on transience.
This exhibition is an invitation to recognize the porous exchange between our outer and inner landscapes, and to find that sustained, patient attention is the most profound way to honor the fleeting.
Third Friday is FREE and open to the public. Learn more and RSVP by registering on Eventbrite.
LEARN AT LIBERTY
What we’re making this may.
Scratch Block AND BOWL Workshops for May Third Friday
Carve designs into blocks OR BOWLS of resin-bonded sand. On Third Friday, watch your creation become a work of art (in the form of an aluminum tile or aluminum bowl!) during a pour in the Liberty Arts Foundry. $85 per block, $140 per bowl during early bird sign up. This month, all proceeds from Third Friday Classes support the continuation of the Iron Heroes Program.
Mother's Day Weekend: Jewelry Classes
This Mother's Day Weekend, join instructor Nanette Pengelley for instructional classes in sand casting, stone setting, or ring making!
Clamps to Lamps: Functional Lighting in Metal
Clamps to Lamps is a hands-on class that blends metal fabrication with functional design, guiding students through the process of creating their own custom metal lamp. This class is an opportunity to explore welding as both a technical skill and a creative practice, resulting in a piece that is both sculptural and usable.
Support Iron Heroes Programming
This month, the Iron Heroes Spring Cohort will cast their pieces in aluminum, rounding off their nine-week deep dive into metal casting. This program is made possible through the commitment of their Instructor, Tripp Jarvis, and the support of individual donations.
Our Fall 2026 Iron Heroes Cohort will coincide with the 10th Annual Iron Pour, and we need your help to make it happen!
Your one time contribution can directly support the acquisition of materials, safety PPE, or fully fund an Iron Hero's participation in this free program. To learn more about giving levels, visit the link below!
ARtist Appreciation
Alysa Cantor
Alysa Cantor received an MA from Lesley University in expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling, and this background continues to shape how she approaches making. She values art as a process of connection, healing, and transformation, and is drawn to practices that reward presence and play. Much of Alysa’s work is informed by attentive, embodied ways of moving through this world—exploring new areas of the forest, observing seasonal changes, and lingering with small, often overlooked details.
Learn more about Alysa and attend the opening reception of her show, The Spring Ephemeral, on May 15!
Liberty Arts artists, employees, and board members thank you for connecting and supporting Liberty Arts. We hope to see you this month!