Take Back the Night Iron Pour

by Birdie Jaworski

Las Vegas resident Cassandra Ulibarri remembers last year's iron pour, remembers the blast of furnace heat that warmed her face and hands as she watched a faceless man in protective gear ladle molten metal into hand-carved molds filled with sand. She placed her hand near her heart as she recounted her experience designing a simple tile.

"I came to the last pour to support the artists and their vision for a peaceful world. The furnace brought us together under its light. I love the idea of taking back the night. Too many people live in fear."

Nellie Price, organizer of this year's third annual Out of the Ashes Iron Pour, explained that the event is an opportunity for NMHU and the Las Vegas community to unite together and make a stand against sexual violence.

"Iron pouring is a team sport," said Price. "We have talented artists working together to make it happen. You have to have a team of talented people. It's like ranchers branding cattle; there's always a collective of ranchers who work together to get the branding done. That's how an iron pour works."

Price worked with NMHU students Luke Hoagland, Chris Kirchner, Patrick Foster, and Kenny Bachicha to put together the support for this year's event which includes speakers from Community Based Services, the District Attorney's Victim Advocacy program, the Las Vegas Police Department, and NMHU Campus Police.

"Local businesses have been so kind to us this year," said Price. "They're providing plates of food and raffle prizes so that attendees can get together and just have a wonderful time. The iron pour is a special night. We hold it in the dark so that the furnace can cast a mysterious glow, so it can light up the night and offer hope."

Everyone from the community is invited to attend the iron pour and design a tile from a simple sand mold that one can carve with a nail. The materials used in the pour are modern have been chosen due to their non-toxic nature, unlike the older resins used in metal work. Tiles poured during the event will be added to a permanent outdoor community sculpture designed to echo the artistic voice of every participant. The sculpture has grown in size and complexity over the past three years.

"When the iron is thrown into the furnace, it sounds like a jet engine," stated Price. "It can overpower the senses, but in a fun and exciting way. Everyone has a wonderful time. Children are welcome at the pour. Last year we had nearly 200 attendees. With a serious issue like sexual violence, it's important to shine a light in ways that are meaningful."

Cassandra Ulibarri handled a slim metal tile imprinted with the shape of a flying bird, the setting sun melting into a flowing horizon. Her wrinkled hands drooped from the artwork's weight.

"This is me," she said. "This is me flying over the community. We all can fly together when we participate in evens like the iron pour."

Take Back the Night Out of Ashes Iron Pour, October 20, 5 - 8 p.m. NMHU Foundry at 11th and Rosenwald.