Fullerton College Bronze Foundry School

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Fullerton College Lost-wax bronze courses
(a well kept secret)

Lost wax bronze cast metal course is offered at Fullerton College, Fullerton California –

The course catalog reads as follows... ART 162 F Sculpture- CAST METAL: The class consist of two hours lecture and analysis and four hours studio per week plus one hour open studio per week. An introduction to the lost wax bronze casting process, investment, vacuum sand casting. This class includes wax model production and mold making. Metal chasing and patination complete the cast bronze sculpture. In consecutive semesters, the complexities of the projects require alternative skills, techniques and materials. The class is listed as “Art 162 F sculpture” in the schools catalog.

Visit the school's website to learn more about additional art courses
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I am currently enrolled at Fullerton College in order to understand and learn more about the fine art of the lost-wax process. Normally I send my completed clay sculptures to the foundry for their final bronze stage. However, I thought I might benefit if I enrolled in a bronze foundry course.

I accidentally stumbled on this hidden gem in 2007. Years ago, I tried locating a foundry school in Southern California, but I was unsuccessful in locating such a school that was affordable and feasible.

I am very impressed with everything the instructor Michele Van Ry, the classmates and the Fullerton College has to offer. There is a wealth of knowledge available for anyone willing to sign up for Michelle's courses. Her classes consist of beginners, intermediate and advance students. Everyone is free to ask questions and share their techniques. I myself, share my techniques and experiences with the classmates that are eager to learn. There is always something new to learn about this bronze process. Every new sculpture seems to require a new plan of procedure.

Years ago, when I became passionate about this craft… sculpting and fabricating molds; it was like pulling teeth for someone to teach me their techniques. Many older mold makers considered their mold making techniques their trade secrets. The internet was not available and the do it yourself books were poorly illustrated. Moreover, no one seemed to depict how to create complex mold making.

Today’s art students have an advantage over those that sought out to learn this craft years ago. Many websites such as this one are eager to help anyone willing to learn this craft.

Caesar Yanez




Beginning sculpting students work on their wax models. Learning the human anatomy is their first project. Later in the semester they will create a plaster mold of their wax sculpture and cast it in bronze.


The kiln door is slightly opened in order to cool down the investments to a manageable temperature.	The kiln door is open and the students investments are revealed.


The hoist and crane used to lift heavy items and aid in the pouring of the molten bronze has a one ton capacity.	The Foundry Furnace melts the bronze ingots. The bronze was heated to about 2,000 degrees F. After researching the internet, there appears to be many melting points for bronze. The best thing to do is to obtain the specs from your bronze supplier. I believe the bronze we use at the school is basically cooper with a fraction of silicone.


The advanced students inspect the work in progress.	Scott makes an attempt to be funny... "Look Betty, its not only a glove but a pistol... You don't say?


Sara controls the hoist and crane. As you can see, countless hours of playing gameboy finally paid off.	Scott secures the investments and guides them to the sand pit.


No, its not the the construction worker from the village people. Its me... Caesar	As Sara works the crane she is approached by the foundry's ghost, Oh sorry it's not a ghost but a student that did not wish to be photographed.


The foundry ghost vacuums the mouth of the investments. A clean and free of debris investment will aid in achieving a desirable bronze cast.	Sara is focused on her task... controlling the hoist and crane...


No, Ovetto is not attempting to build sand castles. He is prepping the sand for the remaining investments.	Scott and Sara work as a team to unload the kiln.


Classmates discuss their assignments.	Scott (instructor's assistant) and I (Caesar) are in our space suits.


Toochie wonders, why Jean is pulling on the Piñata while we have work to do.	Jean is guiding the crane with a hooked pole.


Michelle the instructor is exited to have the process begin. She is very concerned with our safety.	Getting ready to remove the crucible from the furnace. We use a heavy duty tongs for this task.


Transferring the crucible to a safe leveled surface using tongs... the crucible will then be lifted using a pouring shank.	John (student) observes the process.


The crucible was set into position within the pouring shank.	Scott secures the pouring shank and gets ready to attach it to the hoist and crane.


Here any unwanted material is gathered from the surface of the molten bronze.	The unwanted material is eradicated from the surface.

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