HAYS, Kan. -- As many as 25 students from Hutchinson Community College will participate in an aluminum smelting workshop outside the college's Stringer Fine Arts Center, 1300 N. Plum, beginning at noon today.

The crucible furnace, a portable unit, will be provided by a crew from Fort Hays State University's Department of Art and Design.

"We should be pouring metal by about 1:30," said Toby Flores, sculptor and assistant professor of art and design at FHSU.

The pour is sponsored by the Hutchinson Community College Artists Coalition. Kyle Robinson, a graphic arts sophomore at HCC and club president, said he expects anywhere from 10 to 25 students to participate. In addition to club members, an instructor of the 3D art class and a welding instructor will bring students.

Molds, metal, furnace tools, fuel and workers are coming from FHSU. The portable furnace, designed by Flores and built by him and his students, runs on propane. Flores expects to use as much as 100 lbs. of fuel to melt an estimated 150 lbs. of aluminum. Two of his students will help him operate the furnace.

The HCC students will use drills, chisels and other tools to carve their designs into mold blocks made of sand and resin.

Robinson's contact number is (620) 200-5907.