LEXINGTON, KY.- Sparks fly again this November as the University of Kentucky Department of Art hosts its 15th annual Iron Pour. The event to be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at UK's metal arts studio in Reynolds Building Number 2, located at 351 Scott Street in Lexington, Ky. The pour is the highlight of festivities that week celebrating the metal arts program at the university.

Programming showcasing UK's metal arts programs begins Oct. 29, and includes mold workshops, iron casting lectures, sculpture presentations and exhibits, the iron pour, as well as events scheduled with visiting artist, George Beasley. The events are presented by UK's Sculpture Program and the SCRAP Student Sculpture Club.

Beasley is known for his site-specific sculpture installations and visual performances that enable viewers to briefly experience the "dance" of iron making. His residency at UK will include a free public lecture and his participation in the iron pour where he will share his expertise in the process.

The iron pour takes center stage starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 3, in the open air metal arts studio located at Reynolds Building Number 2, also known as the Metal Arts Building. The event, demonstrating the most dramatic part of the metal-casting process, attracts a national audience of artists, students, and art enthusiasts alike, with past attendees coming from as far as New Mexico to take part in the event. Many artists turn out for the event to finish pieces of their work.

The iron pour is as exciting for professionals as it is for novices. Art students from other disciplines and visitors can purchase a scratch block for $10 to $15, and leave with his or her own piece of art. The unique opportunity allows individuals to test their talents by etching an image in the resin tablets, having graphite applied and taking part in the iron pour. And as one waits for the masterpiece to completely cool, an exhibit of iron sculpture will be on display to peruse at the Barnhart Gallery in the adjacent building, Reynolds Building Number 1.