School History
We launched the Center for Metal Arts in our newly designed and fully equipped forge studio classroom with two powerhouse workshops led by international educator Uri Hofi. Over the years we held an ongoing workshop series in Hofi's ergonomic techniques, and with other masters of the forge
- Comprehensive Fundamentals of Blacksmithing
- Advanced Blacksmithing
- Tooling and Die making
- Free-form Power Hammer Work
Holding blacksmithing workshops is a lot like holding a week-long block party, with the rhythmic ringing of hammers, and home-cooked dinners at the long tables under the food tent. We have made life-long friends, and workshop students have made some wonderful connections--and unforgettable memories.
To Work hot iron is to experience one of the oldest human technologies--with the aroma of coke fires, the color of the iron's rising heat, the sound of the ringing anvil, and the movement of the iron under the hammer. To work hot iron is to join hands with the blacksmiths who have forged the tools of agriculture and all the trades.
Under the sign of Hephaestus: Hephaestus was the Greek god of blacksmithing, the only god who worked. He forged the finely wrought metal pieces that gave the god's their powers, from Hermes' winged helmet and sandals, the Aegis breastplate, Helios' chariot, to Eros' bow and arrows. Hephaestus was thrown from Olympus by his father Zeus, for releasing his mother Hera from Zeus' golden chain. It was said that Hephaestus fell all day before landing on the island of Lemnos, and from that day on he was a cripple, riding in a chariot made by his own hand. Our logo shows Hephaestus in his chariot, from and early image on Greek pottery, but we have added a few of our own touches to the image of Hephaestus, god of blacksmithing.
Back to Top
