Sparks fly when you order molten iron on the rocks. And sparks--spectacular sparks--are what you'll see in this performance by Buffalo State College professor and sculptor Ken Payne.

“Iron Into Ice” will be held Saturday April 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Essex Street Arts Complex on Essex Street in Buffalo. Payne has done other performances with molten iron in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland as well as in the U.S.

Most people don't think of sculpture as an art form lending itself to a performance event. But pouring molten iron creates a spectacular show in even the most utilitarian setting.

Payne said, “This show is even more powerful, because its whole purpose is to create a pyrotechnic event.”

Payne and the sculpture program at Buffalo State have a long association with the Ashford Hollow Foundation and its art-in-education program. Proceeds from Saturday's event will benefit the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which runs both the Essex Street Studio Complex and Griffis Sculpture Park in Ashford Hollow. Tickets are $25. You can purchase them at the door or by calling the Ashford Hollow Foundation at (716)667-2808.