liberty arts 9th annual iron pour
november 15th, 2025 // 4pm to 9pm // durham central park
what is the iron pour?
Every November since 2016, Liberty Arts has hosted a FREE public arts event in Durham Central Park. Over 5,500 attendees gather to watch teams of artists build furnaces which heat pieces of iron to unfathomable temperatures. All evening and into the night, thousands of pounds of molten iron will be poured into molds in an exciting fiery display, creating iron tiles designed by the public and sculptures made by NC artists. The event will also feature performances, local food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and opportunities to learn from and engage with this spectacular art form.
Iron Pour is Fun and its a fundraiser!
As our largest fundraiser when you make a small donation, become a local partner, or join us as a distinguished sponsor, you provide direct support to our community initiatives. Your Iron Pour contribution helps sustain programming like IRON HEROES and 3rd Friday Events.
This year, we are excited to reignite the IRON HEROES program, which uplifts youth and veterans in Durham through creativity. With your support, this program will return stronger than ever! To make this possible, we are launching a community fundraiser with the goal of $15,000. Each contribution helps to prepare materials, space, and instructors that will encourage our community to share their stories through art making! Please consider contributing to the 9th Annual Iron Pour and spreading the word. Together, we can reach our goal and make a meaningful difference.
IRON HEROES is a casting program designed by Liberty Arts artist Tripp Jarvis to engage veterans and youth from traditionally underserved communities.
Zee, Aiyana, and Shani work with a sculpture mold through our partnership with the StandUp SpeakOut & Iron Heroes Programs.
How does it work?
meet the artists
tripp Jarvis - pourmaster
“Iron casting has always been my service to Liberty Arts, to the Durham community, and to society at large. As artists at Liberty, we are brothers and sisters in creation; each inspiring and engaging the world in our own unique ways; every time striving to provide a meaningful experience - one that renews your faith to wield any fire that burns in the heart of your heart. And to remind you, that you are, and always have been worthy to carry that fire.”
michael waller - pourmaster
Waller (right) is a Kinston, North Carolina native and has been working as a professional sculptor for over 20 years. He received his BFA from East Carolina University in 1997. In 2003, he became involved in the Durham non-profit sculpture studio and foundry Liberty Arts and began working as a full-time professional sculptor, creating Durham’s iconic bronze bull “Major” with fellow sculptor Leah Foushee Waller.
+ Featuring pour teams from UNCG, WNCSC, Brevard, NCCU, Mixxer, & Durham Tech
Pour Square Workshops
Liberty Arts is committed to fostering creativity, learning, and meaningful connection for our community. Our workshops provide welcoming spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to cultivate friendships, explore creativity and share stories. We hope you join us for the Pour Square Workshops!
Pour Square (scratch block) workshops are available August 15th through November 15th.
this year’s iron pour will feature:
Blacksmithing Demos with Shopsace
Mobile Glass Blowing Unit
Live Painting Activity with Kirk Denny
& more!
With Performances by:
Meet us at Durham Central Park!
Durham Central Park is located at 501 Foster Street. There is free parking available in the Farmer’s Market Lot on Morris Street. Foster Street will be blocked off between W Corporation St and Hunt St.
Want to get involved?
thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
