Workshops

Blacksmith’s Tools with Jeffrey Funk

Session 1, May 18 through May 29 (two week class)

This class will cover the basic forging of blacksmithing hammers and tongs. Materials selection, forging, and forms will be addressed, along with heat treating and finishing. Each participant can expect to leave with a nice set of the hand tools required for blacksmithing in any setting, as well as the skills to make more.

All skill levels

Sculptural Forms in Iron with Haley Woodward

Session 2, June 15 through June 26

This class will focus on collaborative work for a group project. The instructor will lead students through his design and technical research process, and together with the class will create a free-standing sculpture to be installed at the school. Haley is excited to interpret his artistic style through the school’s unique facility and share the experience with students. Class members will work in teams with set tools and sledge hammers at the anvil. Haley will also share his personal approach to using power hammers and associated tooling for developing sculptural forms.

No materials fee for this class.

All skill levels

Wild Iron: Smelting and Geological Connections with Jeffrey Funk

Session 3, June 29 through July 10 (two week class)

In this course we will explore the elemental process of making wrought iron from ore. The class will include collecting ore from an abandoned mining area in central Montana, digging native clay for building the furnace, and making charcoal from wood harvested on the school property. We will focus on cultivating an intimacy with the materials used, and awareness of where the essential ingredients originate.

All skill levels

Hand Tools for Farm and Garden with Jeffrey Funk

Session 4, July 13 through July 24 (two week class)

In this class participants will forge a variety of tools for working the earth, including hoes, trowels, and forks. Prior experience in blacksmithing will be a definite asset for participants in this class however, the basic techniques of forging and heat-treating tools will be thoroughly covered. Some students may choose to make related tools such as sickles and carving tools.

All skill levels

Forging from the Natural World with Jeffrey Funk

Session 5, July 27 through August 7 (two week class)

This class will explore the translation of forms and impressions from the surrounding landscape into iron through drawing, technique development, and practice at the anvil. Emphasis will be on authentic design based on close study of elements of the natural world, along with very organic forging techniques. Students will work with a very plastic wrought iron in making iron “sketches” and finished objects.

All skill levels

Blacksmith's Tools with Jeffrey Funk

Session 6, August 10 through August 21 (two week class)

This class will cover the basic forging of blacksmithing hammers and tongs. Materials selection, forging, and forms will be addressed, along with heat treating and finishing. Each participant can expect to leave with a nice set of the hand tools required for blacksmithing in any setting, as well as the skills to make more.

All skill levels

Making Axes with Jeffrey Funk

Session 7, August 24 through August 28 (one week class)

This class will focus on the making of woodcutting axes: Forging, heat treating, and the carving and fitting of handles. We will forge single piece axes as well as folded and welded axes. The starting point of design will be from classic American axe forms, with student free to build special axes of their own design as well.

All skill levels