thrilled to announce
In March 2025, American Fine Arts Foundry (AFA) in Burbank, California, welcomed a distinguished group led by Mayor Nikki Perez of Burbank and Mayor Chelsea Byers of West Hollywood. This visit provided an in-depth look into the intricate process of bronze casting and the various departments that contribute to transforming artists’ visions into monumental sculptures.
1. Design and Prototyping
The journey begins in the Design and Prototyping department, where artists collaborate with AFA’s artisans to refine their concepts. Utilizing both traditional sketching methods and modern digital modeling techniques, this stage ensures that every detail aligns with the artist’s vision before moving forward.
2. Mold Making
Once the design is finalized, the Mold Making department creates precise molds from the original prototypes. These molds capture every nuance of the artwork, serving as the foundation for producing wax replicas essential for the lost-wax casting process.
3. Wax Casting
In the Wax Casting department, molten wax is poured into the molds to produce exact replicas of the original design. After cooling, these wax models are meticulously inspected and refined, as any imperfections at this stage would be replicated in the final bronze piece.
4. Ceramic Shell Creation
In the Wax Casting department, molten wax is poured into the molds to produce exact replicas of the original design. After cooling, these wax models are meticulously inspected and refined, as any imperfections at this stage would be replicated in the final bronze piece.
5. Bronze Pouring
One of the most dramatic stages occurs in the Bronze Pouring department. Here, the ceramic shells are heated to remove the wax (a process known as “lost wax”), leaving a hollow mold. Molten bronze, heated to approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, is then carefully poured into these molds. Visitors, including the mayors, observed this process from a safe distance, witnessing the transformation of liquid metal into solid art.
6. Metal Chasing and Assembly
After cooling, the ceramic shell is broken away to reveal the raw bronze casting. In the Metal Chasing department, skilled artisans remove any imperfections, weld separate pieces together for larger sculptures, and recreate fine details that may have been lost during casting.
7. Patination
The final aesthetic touch is applied in the Patination department. Through chemical treatments and controlled heating, the bronze surface is colored to achieve the desired finish, enhancing the sculpture’s visual appeal and protecting it from the elements.
8. Quality Control and Shipping
efore any piece leaves the foundry, it undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure it meets both AFA’s standards and the artist’s expectations. Once approved, the sculptures are carefully packaged and prepared for delivery and installation.
During their visit, Mayors Perez and Byers expressed admiration for the craftsmanship and dedication evident in each department. They also noted AFA’s contributions to public art, such as the creation of the Green Lantern statue unveiled in Burbank in November 2024, highlighting the foundry’s role in enriching the cultural landscape of their communities.
This comprehensive tour offered a profound appreciation for the collaborative effort and meticulous processes that bring bronze artworks to life at American Fine Arts Foundry.
