2021, TRANSFORMATION IN IRON,MINNEAPOLIS, MN — JAMES BRENNER SCULPTURE

Transformation in Iron, 2021

Transformation Iron Pour Event

Jackson Square Park, Minneapolis, MN
September 21, 2021

The focus of this event was transformation and change: What do we need to let go of, and what do we need to embrace as community and as individuals? At the event disabled weapons were melted down and transformed into shovels for tree planting. Prior to this event these partners held a workshop for families affected by gun violence where the family members made personally significant shovel components to be cast on the 21st. Once designed and cast, these shovels will be united with the family members who will use them to plant remembrance trees for their loved ones at sites of their choosing. Heart-shaped plaques were cast to install near the remembrance trees. The molten metal poured into the heart molds glowed in the dusk, slowly fading as they solidify.

During 2021’s Cast Iron event there were speakers from the community on the topic of transformation and change, an opportunity for the audience to interact by writing intentions on flash paper that was placed in the molds an lit by the molten metal, a large-scale graffiti mural a painting by Peyton Scott Russell and fellow artist, ad the MN Nice Cream ice cream truck (from 6:30-8:30).

After the iron event selected works were included in Casting: Transformation, a gallery art exhibit curated by Sarah Seldon in the new HNIA art and community space.