The Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) recently launched an artist-in-residence program, inspired by the Kohler Co. residency, with the goal of documenting the foundry’s craft and promoting metalcasting as an art form. 

The first resident, Milwaukee-based metal artist Chris Redmond, is working with WAF to learn the casting process, document the craft, and build the program for the future. 

The Schwartz family, which has owned WAF for over a century, has long supported the arts through family members like acclaimed artist and fellow board member Berel Lutsky, and through the legacy of Lester Schwartz, a celebrated painter and sculptor. Their commitment to creativity and community laid the foundation for this program.