Mirrorball Gallery Hosts Special Exhibition and Fundraiser Honoring Blacksmith and Sculptor Elizabeth Brim
Mirrorball Gallery is proud to present a special exhibition and fundraiser, in partnership with the Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF), spotlighting the extraordinary work and legacy of acclaimed blacksmith and sculptor Elizabeth Brim. The gallery will feature a curated selection of Brim’s iconic iron works, including her signature life-sized steel creations, during a limited-time exhibition in Tryon, NC.
Brim is internationally recognized for her life-sized, steel replicas of traditionally feminine objects such as hats, dresses, pillows, and flowers. She is celebrated for her expressive and fluid use of metal and her remarkable skill in inflating steel forms using compressed air—a dramatic and dangerous process that transforms rigid material into seemingly soft, wearable, or decorative objects.
A highlight of the event will be a live Q&A with Elizabeth Brim, offering guests the rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist about her career, process, and the inspiration behind her bold, witty, and transformative work.
This evening also serves as a fundraiser to support the making of a new documentary film, Iron Pearls, directed by E. Vincent Martinez. The film takes its name from Brim’s trademark string of pearls, worn unapologetically while working at the forge.
Iron Pearls tells the powerful story of a woman who forged her path in the male-dominated world of blacksmithing, establishing herself over a 40-year career. More than just an artist profile, the documentary dives deep into the messaging behind Brim’s work, which often satirizes her genteel Southern upbringing while offering pointed commentary on gender identity, inclusion, and the boundaries of craft and fine art. Through interviews with artists, curators, and collectors, the film brings to light Elizabeth Brim’s influence across disciplines and generations.
This fundraising event is free and open to the public, with 100% tax-deductible contributions going directly to support the film via the Southern Documentary Fund, a nonprofit organization that champions independent documentary storytelling across the South. *You don’t have to be present to support this film. Donations are accepted at anytime.
