This lecture will discuss how metal casting has influenced civilization in terms of sculpture production, early spiritual ideation, and modern day conveniences from industrialization.
Joseph Bigley
About the speaker:
Joseph Bigley received a BFA from Appalachian State University and an MFA in Sculptural Dimensional Studies from Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y. He is the founder and Executive Director of The Western North Carolina Sculpture Center and currently full-time Lecturer of Art at Appalachian State University. This studio practice is expansive, exploring material, process, content, and manners of display. He has been casting metals for 22 years. Cast iron is a core material in his current studio practice.
WNC Sculpture mission statement:
The Western North Carolina Sculpture Center is dedicated to connecting people through the arts with exhibitions, interactions with artists and the opportunity to experience creative practices by way of educational programs and community events while providing an inclusive environment.
WNC Sculpture features a 12-acre sculpture park which has almost 100 sculptures on display and is free and open every day from dawn til dusk.
They host a series of events throughout the year which typically include iron pour demonstrations and live music. Every year for the summer iron pour, they welcome 8 artists on average from around the country to live and work at the 10,000 sq.ft studio to make new sculptures to then be featured in the park. In 2024 they will be opening up an indoor gallery space and have expanded the sculpture park to include a mixed use space to highlight the intersection of art, nature, and agriculture.
Free for Members; $8 General Admission