Blacksmithing
April 20-22
Beginning Blacksmithing
Jody Best / Beginner / $250 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY)
This entry-level workshop will allow aspiring, inspired and soon-to-be-enthusiastic beginning blacksmiths with little or no previous blacksmithing experience to learn important fundamental techniques, and to use these skills to complete several simple projects. During this workshop, building and maintaining a coal fire, tapering, bending and twisting will be introduced. Resource materials will be provided and every trade secret revealed! Please wear hard shoes or boots, safety glasses, long pants and long sleeves.
Jody Best maintained a public blacksmith shop and studio at Spruce Forest Artisan Village at Penn Alps in Grantsville, Md. She now has a shop at her home, where she produces functional and sculptural ironwork, drawing inspiration from her garden and hanging out in the tree house with her daughters. Jody is a member of the Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmith Association (PAABA) and Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA), and sells her work in area stores and galleries. She is also dedicating her time and efforts to making the Ursina Community Art Center in Ursina, Pa., a success.
April 27-29
Blacksmithing for Teens
Glenn Horr / Beginner / $250 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Strike it while it’s hot! This class will look at the joys of working with hot metal, using a coal forge fire, hammer and anvil. Students will learn basic forging techniques including drawing out to a point, twisting and making scrolls and leaves. The weekend will be a good introduction to the art of blacksmithing. Pick up a hammer and find out how much fun it is.
Glenn Horr has been creating hand-forged metalwork since 1977. After working in forged metals for 34 years, the design possibilities of decorative functional work still seem endless. Always enjoying making things with his hands, Glenn’s interest in metals and forging began in a high school shop class. He is primarily self-taught and continues to add to his repertoire of skills by attending blacksmithing conferences. Using traditional techniques, Glenn creates functional and decorative work in steel as well as copper, brass, and aluminum. He enjoys working with materials that are so rigid in one form, yet yields to hammer and anvil when heated in the forge. Metal can be moved into different shapes and textures, and he likes to reflect his fluidity in his finished work. Known for his attention to detail and fine craftsmanship, he has been commissioned to do many architectural projects. Glenn creates a wide range of hardware for homes. He makes anything from fireplace equipment to door hardware and railings, gates, to fine kitchen utensils. He also enjoys working with individuals, designers, and architects on special commissions. For more information please visit www.glennsforge.com.
May 11-13
Welding Techniques
Nick Ireys / Beginner-Intermediate / $250 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Learn the fundamentals of welding: how to prep metal for a weld, run a bead and inspect your weld for flaws. This class will cover torch, stick and mig welding. Students will also learn how to use an angle grinder to clean and polish their work. Discover what the metal is actually doing during the welding process to bond it together. Make a practical item like a chair or box or abstract sculpture. By the end of the class, each student will have practical knowledge and a strong foundation of welding skills to continue developing welding techniques on their own. Discussions regarding cost-effective purchasing of tools and supplies necessary for establishing a small studio will be held.
Nick Ireys discovered a love for metal working at a young age, purchasing his first welder just out of the eighth grade. He has more than seven years of experience as a professional welder. Additionally, Nick is the owner/operator of a fabrication and blacksmith business in Richmond, Virginia. He holds a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University. Nick joined the Touchstone staff in 2011 as the studio resident assistant of the Hart Moore Blacksmith Studio.
May 25-27
Fundamentals of Forging
Matthew Yeomans / Beginner / $200 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Although short in length, this course plans to teach the fundamental skills of blacksmithing. Students will be taught the basic skills and techniques necessary to produce works of art in steel, such as tapering, upsetting, slitting/drifting and riveting. Students will also learn the skills needed to work efficiently and safely in the forge environment, such as how to build and manage a fire, what safety equipment to use, and how to work to avoid fatigue. The aspiration of the instructor is that this class will be a fun and valuable experience for all who attend.
Matthew Yeomans is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in arts education. He has spent the last three years working as a studio resident at Touchstone Center for Crafts, and has used that time to hone his skills in the art of blacksmithing, a trade that he began at the age of 17.
June 4-6
The Magnificent Seven
John Medwedeff / Beginner - Intermediate/ $325 / Three-Day Workshop/ (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
A blacksmith can forge objects with infinite possibilities of design and function with variations as unique and personal as their own fingerprints. Ironically, the technical methods to create all utilitarian, decorative and sculptural forms at the forge are based on only seven fundamental processes. This class, for the beginner to intermediate-level smith, will introduce or refresh these skills in the context of experimentation with hot iron and making small objects, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, design and safe work practices. The goal of the class is to have fun while gaining an understanding of the basic skills required to open the door to the possibilities of the blacksmith’s imagination, from hand skills to business practices for the professional smith.
John Medwedeff, a full-time artist-blacksmith, has been producing site-specific public sculpture, sculptural fountains, architectural ironwork and furniture for 30 years. At 19 he began a three-year blacksmithing apprenticeship with Jim Wallace at the Metal Museum in Memphis, TN, and afterward earned his master of fine arts degree in blacksmithing from SIU Carbondale. Concurrent with his studio work, John has curated exhibitions, taught sculpture and blacksmithing workshops at numerous craft schools, and lectured at universities and symposia across the country. He has been featured in numerous recent publications and broadcasts, including WTTW Chicago’s program “Arts Across Illinois” and the "South of 64" 2009 Multimedia Workshop titled "A Weekend in Murphysboro." He wrote the forward to and is featured in the 2009 book From Fire to Form, Sculpture from the Modern Blacksmith and Metalsmith. A chapter is devoted to his life and work in the Hephaistos Yearbook 2006(Peter Elgass’ “Metal Design International,” Germany), and he has been featured in the journals Art & Antiques, Architectural Digest and Fabricator and Sculpture. Recent commissions include the design and construction of a city park in Murphysboro, Illinois, and a 20 feet tall bronze sculpture for the SAS Institute in Cary, NC.
June 12-15
Renaissance Ironwork
Phil Heath / Intermediate/ $450 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
This workshop will be an exploration of period wall sconce with decorative scrolls, split ends, rivets, and finish.
Phil Heath is a fourth generation English blacksmith with more than thirty years experience. He operated a family-owned blacksmithing business in the southwest of England for twenty years before settling in the United States. He is a member of the Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac, serving on the board, and as shopmaster for the forge at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington, Va. Heath has enjoyed demonstrating his traditional blacksmithing skills at multiple venues including Touchstone, the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association Fall Conference, the Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac Spring Fling, the Pittsburgh Area Artist-Blacksmiths Association, the Bill Gichner Memorial Hammer-In and Dan Boone's Annual Pasture Party.
June 18-22
Forged Furniture in Scale
Fred Crist /All Levels / $475 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
This class will focus on designing and building scale models of furniture pieces and/or sculpture for commission based projects. The pieces will be made using the same process and techniques (forge welding, mortise and tenon and wedging) as we use on larger scale pieces, except these objects will only require about 1/10th the time to build. The end purpose of these objects is presentation for large-budget commissions which require drawings and models of the finished pieces. Bring your favorite drawing, or come with sketch book in hand. This class will be an intense week of small scale forge work.
Fred Crist has been forging metal into architectural, sculptural and functional objects for 31 years. In 1977, after graduating from the Philadelphia College of Art, he spent 11 years at Samuel Yellin Metalworkers as a blacksmith, and the last 19 years making a living as an artist blacksmith. He has executed many private and corporate commissions including the Book of Kells display case for the University of Pittsburgh, Lighting for the Black Friars Theater, a sculpture for the Massey Caner Center and a memorial bench for Norfolk Academy. His work is shown and sold in galleries nationally, as well as in Canada. For more information go to www.facristmetalsmith.com.
June 25-29
Forge Welding for Knives
Bob Rupert / All Levels / $450 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Plan for a fun-filled week forging metal from the past into a pattern-welded blade! Working together and sharing skills with other artisans, each student can expect to improve their abilities as well as forge a one-of-a-kind piece by the end of this week. Each student will receive a class outline, benefit from daily demonstrations and process examples while taking time to explore the ancient trade of blacksmithing. One, two and three-day students welcome!
Bob Rupert is the owner of Iron Hill Forge and has taught at Touchstone since 2004. Bob first experienced metalworking with his father. Those early years were filled with opportunity and time to explore. Five decades have passed and the fascination of shaping glowing, hot steel has not changed. Now with more than four decades of metal working experience, Bob seeks to share his passion, in hopes that others might enjoy the simplicity of tradition, taking some time to explore the texture and beauty of forged iron. Bob has led ABANA seminars at Kent State University, and was twice featured as the centerfold subject in Knives. His work is prominently featured in Ironwork Today II, a recent release from Schiffer Books.
July 16 - 20
Metal Fabrication for Sculpture and Assemblage
Eli Kessler / Beginner - Intermediate / $475 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
During this course students will design and create a sculpture that implements basic skills of steel fabrication. Techniques will include metal cutting, bending, welding and finishing. In addition to steel techniques, students will incorporate found materials and investigate mixed media approaches. Students will explore various sculpture traditions such as assemblage, site-specific installation, and traditional object-based sculpture.
Eli Kessler is a practicing sculptor and educator. He has exhibited his artwork at Kim Foster Gallery NYC, Washington Projects for the Arts DC, Franklin Institute Science Museum, University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia. He has taught fine art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Seton Hill University, Westmoreland County Community College and California University of Pennsylvania.
July 23-27
Get Your Iron in the Fire: Beginning Blacksmithing
Glenn Horr / Beginner / $450 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
This course is a great way to start or refresh your skills in the area of functional metalwork. Instruction will include building the coal fire and basic forging skills: drawing out, twisting, tool-making, forge-welding, punching and scrollwork. Students will be able to finish a few small items. Beginners are welcome, as no prior experience is necessary.
Glenn Horr’s bio can be found under Blacksmithing for Teens.
July 30 – Aug 3
Bladesmithing: From a Rusty Nail to Damascus Steel
Robert Coogan/Beginner-Intermediate/$480 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
In this course you will learn how to forge tool steel, using primarily a coal forge. Fire control, heat-treating and the advantages of a forged blade will be discussed. The making of handles and guards will also be covered. Once we get the basics down we will move onto the creation of a pattern welded Damascus steel knife. The basics of forge welding will be covered, as well as the advantages of layered steel. Various patterns will be explored. Other topics being covered will be the use of hand tools in knife-making as well as power tools. Safety will be strongly stressed.
Robert Coogan received his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and has been head of the ACC metals department since 1981. He is nationally renowned for his visiting artist workshops and has lectured throughout the United States and in Korea. In 1987 he taught in England as part of the Fulbright Exchange Program. Coogan's work has been exhibited internationally and has been featured in numerous publications including American Craft, The Anvil's Ring, Metalsmith and Korean Design Magazine. (From the TTU website)
August 6-10
Locksmithing: 16th Century Style Padlock
Tom Latané / Intermediate-Advanced / $475 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Students will forge, file and fit parts to produce a 4 5/8" wide padlock with a key. While those determined to finish during the week may choose to keep all parts as simple as possible, there will be discussion of possibilities for embellishing the key, varying the ward design, creating a keyhole cover and modifying the lock body. The class will involve forge brazing, construction of the key and hardening and tempering of the spring tumbler.
Thomas Latané has been fascinated by historic hand forging technology since constructing a hearth in a suburban Baltimore backyard in 1972. He and his wife, Catherine, have maintained a shop in Pepin, WI, since 1983, where they work in iron, wood, tin and natural fibers. By August 2012, Tom will have demonstrated at seven ABANA conferences, six with the "Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths". www.spaco.org/latane/TCLatane.html
August 13-17
Making Tongs - Get a Grip!
Jonathan Nedbor / Beginner-Intermediate / $450 / Weeklong Workshop /(CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Tongs, the most basic of tools, are used to hold your work while forging. Why buy tongs when, with a little practice, you can make your own? In this class we will make four basic types of tongs, starting with “flat jaw” tongs, the basic design for holding flat, square and round stock. With what is learned making the “flat jaw” tongs we can then move onto making “box” tongs for holding rectangular stock. From there we progress to “Poz” tongs, one of the most useful tongs to have at the forge. And lastly we will make a pair of “bolt eye” tongs for holding larger square and round stock. The skills we will work on while making tongs include: shouldering, hammer welding, punching, riveting, as well as hand and power hammer forging. This class is recommended for beginners with some forging experience to intermediate smiths.
Jonathan Nedbor has been a full-time blacksmith for more than 36 years. He is a popular teacher and demonstrator due to his ability to share his insights into the forging process. He specializes in historic forged ironwork, focusing on early hardware of New York's Hudson Valley. Much of his work is used on historic houses and museums, many of which are listed on the National Register. He also designs and produces contemporary furniture and household ironwork.
Aug 20 – 24
Organic Blacksmithing
Wayne Apgar /All Levels / $475 Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Organic blacksmithing is the process of forging metal into artistic, organic shapes. Students will use flat, round and square stock and piping to forge steel, stainless steel and copper into natural forms. In addition to learning blacksmithing safety, managing a coal or propane forge and choreographing the blacksmith process, specific patterns to be taught will include: roses, daisies, irises, maple leaves, oak leaves, apple leaves, wild grass, vines and cattails. Students from beginning to advanced levels are welcome. Time permitting, and depending on the student’s level of expertise, an entire project could be completed utilizing the multiple components fabricated during the class. Students can bring pictures or drawings of items that they wish to reproduce.
Wayne Apgar began blacksmithing in 1996. He has studied under Dr. Bob Becker for 10 years. Wayne has executed many private commissions in steel, copper, stainless steel and bronze. Most recently, Wayne forged and fabricated a nine-foot circle bench for a private estate in Bucks County, PA, where he owns and operates Durham Forge. Wayne is a member of MASA and ABANA. His work can be seen online at www.durhamforge.net.
August 27-31
Troubleshooting & Design
Richard Sheppard / All Levels / $450 / Weeklong Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
This class will cover everything from customer interview, research and development, design concepts and layout to troubleshooting creative and technical problems and creation of an actual project. By the week’s end, you will have selected a project appropriate to time period or customer satisfaction, and have produced a piece of functional or decorative art. Students are also encouraged to bring projects they have started to work on during class.
Richard Sheppard is an artisan blacksmith with more than 30 years experience. Richard has taught classes and has demonstrated throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has done everything from restoration projects to interior and exterior design, and has won awards in several art venues. He is the designer and maker of the Big Lick treadle hammer and owner of Sheppard Forges in Hazelton, WV.
September 7-9
Get Your Irons in the Fire
Nigel Tudor / Beginner / $225 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
With hammer in hand, spend the weekend learning blacksmithing basics. Make a few fun projects, sharpen technical skills and gain knowledge that will further your blacksmithing endeavors. No experience necessary. Just bring your interest and willingness to learn.
Nigel Tudor is a professional blacksmith who has been smithing for more than 15 years. He studied with Timm Bredohl and Andreas Gueldenberg in Germany through the ABANA Aachen Work Study Program. As a member of the Precious Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths, he demonstrated making a locking chest at the 2004 ABANA conference. Nigel honed his skills by taking more than 25 courses at Touchstone. Nigel is now focused on architectural ironwork: his work can be found in Germany, Belgium and across the US.
September 13-17
Synthesizing Traditional Forging Techniques with Contemporary Design
Stephen Yusko / All Levels / $450 / Extended Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
In this extended weekend workshop, the emphasis will be on the exploration of form, line and surface while working primarily with forged and fabricated steel. Through discussions about design and function and demonstrations of techniques we will work to create objects that balance the industrial history of the material with a gracefulness of form. Along with forging solid bar stock and tubing/pipe, participants will learn how to create pattern and texture on sheet/plate…and then work with it to take give it dimension. Also covered will be joinery techniques and finishing processes.
Stephen Yusko has worked as a studio artist for nearly 20 years, making forged and fabricated steel vessels, furniture and sculpture. He received a BFA in sculpture from the University of Akron, Ohio, and earned an MFA in metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He worked as an apprentice, then as artist-in-residence at The National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Yusko has taught at several schools and universities, including Haystack School of Crafts, ME; Penland School of Crafts, NC; Peters Valley Craft Center, NJ; the New England School of Metalwork, ME; and Webster University, MO. Yusko is also on the board of directors of Haystack School of Crafts. Yusko has exhibited his work widely including the Metal Museum, TN, and the Society of Arts and Crafts, MA, as well as being published in several books of contemporary metalwork, including 500 Metal Vessels by Lark Books.
September 28-30
Tapestry through Time
Richard Sheppard / All Levels / $210 / Weekend Workshop / (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!)
Welcome to a weekend of fun and excitement as you create your own cooking utensils for indoor formal meals or outdoor cooking in the rough. During this class, students will work on making a four-piece set including a fork, ladle and spatula with hanger. Pieces can be authentic replicas of early American hardware or freestyle imaginations of your soul. This weekend class will include all instruction and materials to take home a completed set of utensils.
Richard Sheppard’s bio can be found under Troubleshooting & Design.
