Sloss Metal Arts Summer Youth Apprenticeship Applications Open

birminghamal.gov

Applications are open through April 28 for the annual Summer Youth Apprenticeship at Sloss Furnaces.

The Summer Youth Apprenticeship was founded on the importance of passing on the history of Sloss and the many techniques and traditions of metal art. This paid, 8-week program employs 10-15 high school students, aged 16-19, to work and study under professional artists for 30 hours per week.

This is an incredible opportunity to learn new skills, work in a creative environment, and explore the world of metal arts. No prior experience needed — just a willingness to learn and create.

The Sloss Furnaces instructors are all professional artists working in cast iron or fabricated steel. Apprentices can expect to learn:

• Site and tool safety
• Wood, wax, and oil-based clay sculpting
• Mold making
• Iron casting
• Welding
• Blacksmithing
• Fabrication
• Art exhibition preparation and installation
• Large scale sculpture and public art
• Critique methods
• Sculpture proposals and maquette building

Accepted students are introduced to a variety of processes and techniques in an interactive, individualized environment. While being introduced to these techniques, the apprentices will create an array of work from tiles and medallions to bookends and light switch covers to be sold in the Sloss Museum Store in support of the program.

For their final projects, they will submit a professional proposal and maquette and spend the final tqo weeks executing their final sculpture. Their final pieces will be on display during an art reception open to the public at the conclusion of the program.