9th Biennial Western Cast Iron Art Conference: Slag Circus
September 30 – October 4, 2026
The Skillet & Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM
The Western Cast Iron Art Alliance brings the methods and madness of casting iron for sculptural forms and performance art with metal to states in the western United States every two years.
This year’s gathering themed Slag Circus, was held at The Skillet Studio and Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
We came, we cast iron, honed our skills and picked up new ones while meeting artists, students, and professionals of all types, plus our iron carnival returned, better than ever.
We had an amazing transition from academic institutions to alternative spaces for art-making.
New Mexico
Demonstrations
Along with our workshops and panels, WCIAA wants you to walk away from our conferences with as much knowledge as possible to keep making art.
Conference Schedule- Sept 30-Oct 4th 2026
Find the schedule/ happenings here for our 9th Biennial Conference.
Exhibitions-Accepted Juried Professional & Student Artists
Congratulations to all who entered and were accepted into our 9th Biennial Western Cast Iron Art Conference Juried Exhibition!! Your work is so inspiring, and we cannot wait to show it off in Las Vegas!
Workshops
Our workshops are always so much fun, so come join us for Tiny Iron, Sand Mold, Ceramic Shell, Reactionary Molds, and Sand Mold Slick Blacksmithing workshops.
Keynote Eric Fuertes
Eric Fuertes Assistant Professor of ArtCollege of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IllinoisWebsite: www.ericfuertes.comInstagram: @fuertesmade Artist StatementMy work examines the ways materials and objects carry memory, reflect labor, and shape ourunderstanding of place and identity. Working with cast iron, wood, steel, and contemporarydigital fabrication, I am interested in how traditional craft and emerging technologies can exist indialogue, each […]
Panels in New Mexico
Iron Family Feud Modeled after the long-running television game show Family Feud, this interactive session, hosted by Biff Ladlewarmer, invites two teams to compete by answering survey questions focused on iron casting and foundry practices, materials, processes and personalities from the Western region. Each round begins with a head-to-head buzzer challenge, where one contestant from each […]
Meet our 9th Conference Hosts!
Some of our most favorite people are running the show with the help of the WCIAA Board. Meet them here and in Las Vegas.
Registration is Open!
9th Biennial Western Cast Iron Art Conference — Slag Circus Mark your calendars, registration for the 9th Biennial Western Cast Iron Art Conference is officially open! This year’s event, themed Slag Circus, will be held September 30 – October 4, 2026 at The Skillet & Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Every two years, […]
Las Vegas, New Mexico Lodging
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