Annual ‘Art on Fire’ event set Saturday at transportation museum

The ninth annual Valley Arts Alliance “Art on Fire” festival is on tap for Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla.

According to organizers, a group of foundry men and women along with other local sculptors and metal workers will demonstrate a 5,000-year-old iron casting process using a custom designed furnace known as a cupola. Led by Pat Garley, who owns Arctic Fires Bronze in Palmer, other participants include D’jean Jawrunner, a college professor from New Mexico who teaches metal casting; and Donnie Keen, a commercial foundry owner from Houston, Texas.

Other events include a demonstration by the Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths, encaustic wax painting by Judy Vars as well as belly dancing and “fiery” circus performance arts from the Sahara Storm Tribal Dance Troupe.

Throughout the day, artist Sandra Cook, who owns SL Cook Pottery and Fiber Werks in Palmer, will conduct a Raku pottery workshop.

Food will be available from vendors and live music is planned throughout the day.

Admission is $10; children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.valleyartsalliance.com