FAQ

During an aluminum pour, we melt the aluminum in the furnace to the perfect temperature, and our crew pours the hot metal right into your scratch block when it's ready. It is a wonderful learning experience and something very different that is only usually offered once you get to an upper college level. We have worked with various artists and engineers to perfect a technique that allows us to offer this experience to people of all different skill levels and ages. We have done workshops that are very similar to this one with schools (K-12 and above) in KY, OH, IN, and even England! We are very excited to bring this back home to Solsberry to share with everyone.

The length of time it takes to carve your design depends on the design itself and each individual's speed. You can carve down as much as you desire (without going all the way through). The more you carve, the more your design will stick out after being poured. It takes the furnace 30 minutes to warm up to the 1275 degrees it needs to melt the aluminum. When it reaches 1400 degrees the aluminum is liquified enough to pour. Pouring only takes a few minutes and about 20 minutes for it to cool enough to be handles with gloves. We will be doing all of the handling of the hot metal.

The furnace handles approximately 30 lbs. of melted aluminum at once. That allows 15 scratch blocks to be poured at a time. There will also be approximately 30 minutes in between pours to allow the aluminum to melt to the correct consistency.

The carving will be done outside on some picnic tables (weather permitting) located by our red barn/foundry. We will be doing the pouring outside - rain, shine or snow.

We recommend dressing for the outdoors. Everyone is welcome to explore the 200 sculptures along the over three miles of trails that are on the grounds so wear good walking shoes or hiking boots if you like to do that. There are a few hills and stairs on the path.

You are welcome to bring any drinks or food you like. No alcohol is permitted. Please remember to cart off anything you cart in. There are no vending machines on the property.

Yes. A very clean port-a-potty will be on the grounds for your use.

There will be signs guiding you to the Sculpture Trails/the entrance once you've reached Solsberry. There will be additional signs only when we are having scheduled events mainly to assist with parking/handicap parking.

A limited amount of scratch blocks are available for $25-100 depending on size. There are no vending machines on the property.

ANNUAL ALUMINUM POUR (10/19/24): Scratch blocks will be available for purchase the day of, with supplies being extremely limited. The best way to 100% guarantee you're able to get a scratch block before supplies run out is to purchase them before the event via our website's donation page or in person via cash or check. If you can't make it beforehand we recommend you arrive early on the actual pour date to ensure we haven't run out. The only accepted forms of payment are cash, check, or a donation made through our website.

POUR AND TOUR/PRIVATE POUR: To schedule a tour and pour or a private aluminum pour, please fill out a pour and tour form on our website or email us at sculpturetrails@gmail.com. We will contact you within 48 hours to confirm availability.

No, just watching is free! But believe me, once you see how much fun everyone else is having, you will want to participate, too!

There are over 3 miles of sculpture filled trails that make up the museum.

The trails are moderately difficult to walk, and it is recommended that our visitors wear sturdy shoes that are comfortable for long walks. There are benches throughout the museum for taking breaks as needed and enjoying the scenery. We also provide golf cart tours for individuals who might need mobility assistance. Please arrange a golf cart tour at least 48 hours before your planned visit by contacting us via the website or phone.