What happens when you use fire as a tool to create art? The Foundry Art Centre invites guests to find this out at Fire Arts Fest on January 30 from 5 PM to 9 PM. This one-night-only winter spectacle transforms the Foundry Art Centre into a glowing indoor-outdoor event where flame-fueled creativity takes center stage. Experience the heat, movement, and magic of fire-based art forms through live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on activities to light up the cold winter night in Saint Charles.
Fire Arts Fest meets visitors outdoors, where live demonstrations showcase the incredible range of art that fire makes possible, like raku and pit firing, and MADE Makerspace’s wood burning and glow forge CNC machine engraving.. “Each demonstration is wonderful in its own way,” said Jessica Mannisi, Foundry Director of Exhibitions. “From the fascinating force and heat of the metalsmith’s forge to the delicate intricacy of glass artists shaping molten material, every process is captivating. Fire performers dance with flames while maintaining incredible energy, and checking on the raku and pit-fired creations is always amazing.”
We’ve all seen how fireworks can light up a night sky, but what effect do they have on canvas? See for yourself at one of the several art demonstrations. “We’re thrilled to welcome Florida-based artist Kyle Selley this year. Known for creating stunning artwork using fireworks, he will demonstrate his unique creative process and host a pop-up exhibition where guests can view a selection of his dynamic paintings,” said Mannisi. Find Selley and his work outside on the Foundry’s campus.
Between demonstrations, guests can refuel and warm up at cozy fire pits with s’mores, stop at a food truck for a meal, or explore nearby North Main Street’s local restaurants.
The heat continues indoors at the Foundry Art Centre, where creativity burns just as brightly. Live music from Polly & the Pocket fills the space as guests browse the Bake Sale Maker’s Market, where each vendor must use fire or heat in their creation (like clay, glass, jewelry, and baked goods). Visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on art activities, watch Third Degree Glass bring creations to life through live glassblowing, and see hot wax transformed into stunning artwork during Dee Levang’s encaustic painting demonstrations. And of course, it wouldn’t be Fire Arts Fest without the St. Charles Fire Department, who will be offering interactive fire safety demonstrations throughout the night.
“Fire Arts Fest is all about creating an exciting experience that connects people with the arts in a fun, engaging way,” said Mannisi. “We want to spotlight innovative and unexpected ways artists create their work, and it’s been amazing to see how enthusiastic people are about it. People are getting excited about art, what’s better than that?”
Celebrate fire at Fire Arts Fest as creativity and community intersect at the Foundry Art Centre this January night.