The Crucible · Beyond the Classroom
Metal casting isn't
just for schools.
The Spark program is a self-contained, single-day event — fully mobile, professionally run, and designed so that anyone can participate regardless of age or background. If your group is looking for a hands-on experience that results in something real and permanent, this program may be a good fit.
Inquire about a session
Who we work with
Groups we've worked with
or are well-suited for
Established
Schools & Districts
K–12 single-day Spark sessions and multi-session residencies. The program's original context — curriculum-aligned, BOCES-bookable.
Full program details, curriculum alignment, and BOCES booking at the school program page.
Strong fit
Summer Camps
A Spark session works naturally as a special event day or rotating activity. The format is designed for groups who haven't done this before — all skill levels, all ages.
Single-day format, all materials provided, minimal prep required from camp staff
Strong fit
Community Centers & Libraries
Public programming events, maker nights, community art initiatives. A live foundry pour is a memorable anchor event that draws people and generates real community engagement.
Works well as a standalone community event or partnership program
Strong fit
Senior Living & Adult Programs
Hands-on design and mold-making at a comfortable pace. Participants take home a permanent cast object — something to keep, display, or give to family. The format works well across a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.
Adapted pacing available. Pour performed entirely by instructors.
Good fit
Arts Organizations & Festivals
A live metal pour is visually compelling and draws a crowd. Works as a demonstration with hands-on mold-making, or as a full participatory event where attendees take home their own tile.
Outdoor setup preferred. Flexible formats available for festival contexts.
Good fit
Corporate & Team Events
A Spark session is an uncommon team experience. Everyone makes something with their hands and leaves with a physical object cast from a mold they carved themselves.
Custom mosaic option available — coordinated group design installed on site
The experience
What participants actually do
Base event — up to 50 participantsAll materials, artist fees, transport included
$2,750
Per additional participant (51–60)
$55
At full capacity
Per-person cost at 60 participants — compares favorably with a field trip
$55 / person
The format is the same across all non-school bookings — every participant designs and makes their own sand mold, instructors pour molten aluminum into every mold on site, and everyone goes home with a permanent cast aluminum tile bearing their own design.
1
Design concept — participants sketch their tile design, planning any letters or imagery in reverse
2
Carve design into a pre-rammed open-face sand mold using provided tools. No experience required.
3
Brief discussion of the process — combustion, materials, what's about to happen
4
Live aluminum pour — instructors pour molten aluminum at ~1,400°F into every participant's mold. Everyone watches from a maintained safety perimeter.
5
Tiles cool, sand is knocked out, and every participant receives their finished casting to take home
Duration
Approximately 2–3 hours
Participants
Up to 60 per session
Space needed
Indoor work area + outdoor space with 20 ft building clearance, electricity & water access
Setup
Instructor and assistant arrive ~45 min early — minimal prep required from host
Experience needed
None — designed for first-timers of any age
Logistics
How it works on site
Everything we bring, everything you provide, and what happens if the weather doesn't cooperate.
What we bring
All foundry equipment — furnace, crucible melter, fuel
Pre-rammed sand molds — one per participant
All carving tools, china markers, safety equipment
Aluminum stock — enough for every mold
Full safety setup — perimeter barriers, PPE, fire suppression
Lead instructor and assistant for the full event
What you provide
Indoor work area for mold-carving — tables and chairs for all participants
Outdoor space with at least 20 ft clearance from any building, electricity and water access
Access to the site ~45 minutes before the event starts
A contact person on the day to help with participant flow
Weather
Mold carving proceeds in any weather — it's indoors
The pour is rescheduled at no additional charge if conditions are severe
Looking for the school or district program? The school program includes curriculum alignment, BOCES CoSer booking options, and a multi-session residency track.
School & district programs →
Bringing a live pour
to your group
Share your group size, location, and rough timing and we'll let you know whether the program is a practical fit.
Inquire about a session
or email directly: entwisjj@gmail.com · frenchmtnstudios.com · Lake George, NY