Aluminum Art Foundry Project 2026

Luke Achterberg explores the subcultures of Americana found in automotive customizing, style writing, comics, snow/skateboarding and street art—all of which display extremely high technical skills developed outside of academia. Luke received his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2004, then obtained a Welding Technical Diploma from Western Technical College in La Crosse the following year. He then acquired an MFA in sculpture from the University of Kentucky and has operated his studio in La Crosse since 2019.

Kelly Ludeking has spent more than three decades shaping metal, glass, and community through art. A 1997 graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD) with a BFA in Sculpture and Furniture Design, Ludeking first fell in love with the feral intensity of molten iron and the disciplined grace of fine craftsmanship. Those twin forces continue to define his work today. Since his first pour, Kelly has participated in, facilitated, or hosted more than 300 iron pours across the country, blending performance, education, and artistry into unforgettable experiences. 

Adam Oldre, raised in small towns in Minnesota and Wisconsin, developed strong mechanical and creative skills through the support of his family and community. After studying art at University of Wisconsin La Crosse, he pursued an artistic career by exhibiting in local galleries and being juried into the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis. Since 2009, he has worked as a metalsmith in La Crosse, repurposing recycled metals and materials, and credits his success to the continued support of mentors, fellow artists, and his community.