Hidden within the former carriage house of the famous Steinway Mansion, you will find the roots of some of the most recognizable art in New York City – from the Alice In Wonderland sculpture in Central Park to the Fiorello LaGuardia statue in LaGuardia Place. At the Modern Art Foundry, the visions of artists take shape with the work of passionate and skilled craftsmen. Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of this fascinating mecca for sculptors led by third generation owner, Jeffrey Spring. The Untapped Cities staff rates this as one of the most exceptional experiences in our roster. Tickets are on sale now for our 2019 tour on July 19th!
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Modern Art Foundry
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Get behind the scenes access inside the Modern Art Foundry which specializes in casting bronze sculptures – including many famous sculptures in New York City’s public spaces
- Learn about the whole process of artistic fabrication—starting from when an artist comes up with a vision to when the final product is realized.
- The tour is led by third generation Foundry owner Jeffrey Spring
- See a live bronze metal pouring at 1:00 pm
- Explore the foundry itself which is located in the former carriage house of the abandoned Steinway Mansion in Queens
DETAILS:
Price: $35
What to wear: Bring closed-toe-shoes as it is a working factory area.
What to know: The tour is 1.5 hours long. Be mindful of the people working on-site and the surrounding environment (hazardous materials might be nearby). See directions here. Note: There is a 20-minute walk from the subway.
ABOUT YOUR TOUR GUIDE: Jeffrey Spring often begin tours of Modern Art Foundry by simply stating that his grandfather John Spring started the company over seventy years ago, in 1932. His father Bob Spring has been the president since the early 1970’s following over twenty-five years of service in all foundry departments. Spring and his sister Mary Jo represent the third generation of family owners and it is their intention to bring their history, services, and traditional craftsmanship into the 21st century. They remain the “Artist’s Foundry”, offering artists and communities the opportunity to complete their work under one roof.
Steinway Mansion Carriage House in Astoria, Queens, now The Modern Art Foundry
Artwork by student sculptors await the next step in their journey from concept to finished artwork.
Jeffrey Spring of The Modern Art Foundry explains the processes that go on in the foundry
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Modern Art Foundry
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