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Blacksmithing

Bladesmithing

Metal

Register now to learn the basics or enhance your blacksmithing and bladesmithing skills...these workshops are very popular and space is limited, so don't wait too long to register! Small classes and personal attention make for an enjoyable creative experience.

In Session and Upcoming Schedule at a Glance

Feb 11-12 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Blacksmithing 101 Matthew Parkinson

Feb 25-26 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Masters Series: Bladesmithing Joe Szilaski

Mar 3-4 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Bladesmithing 102 Matthew Parkinson

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Tuition $35.00

REGISTRATION CLOSED

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Camilla Cook

SM0212 Feb 18, 2012 (12pm - 2pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

Artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, will speak about basic marketing materials and techniques for visual artists. She will explain how to write a successful Bio, Artist Statement & Resume and explain why each is important. She will also identify various opportunities to increase your exposure including: tips on networking, building a mailing list, unlocking the Internet's potential, and applying for exhibitions, grants and residencies. After the talk, the floor will be open for specific questions and discussion topics.

Bladesmithing

Tuition $300.00 SOLD OUT!
Contact us to place your name on the wait list, or to help you choose another class.

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Joe Szilaski

MB0512 Feb 25-26, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Saturday/Sunday (The Good Forge)

From kitchen cutlery to a hunting knife, create a custom knife of your own design from start to finish. This 2-day course is designed to accommodate both beginners with no previous forging experience and skilled metalsmiths who wish to study under Joe Szilaski, a nationally-recognized, award-winning knifemaker. Topics to be covered include blade function and design, selection of steel, forging and safety. Students will learn the techniques of forging a blade to shape at low temperature and gain hands-on experience using a gas forge. Techniques of differential heat treatment and its importance will also be discussed. This class is dedicated to the forging and heat treating of a blade and includes discussion on how to properly handle your knife. A studio/materials fee of $40 for creating one knife is due at time of registration. Materials for each additional knife made can be purchased through the instructor. Students under age 18, please call for details.

Bladesmithing 102

Tuition $240.00

Experienced Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Matthew Parkinson

MB0412 Mar 3-4, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Saturday/Sunday (The Good Forge)

Students can expect to forge and finish one knife. Topics covered will be working with high carbon steels, knife design, forging a blade to shape, grinding , finishing, heat treating, fitting a guard, and attaching a handle. This class will build on the introductory class, with the addition of making, fitting and attaching of handle parts. Some forging experience is required. A studio/materials fee of $55 is due at time of registration. Teens are welcome, but please call prior to registration for details.

Writing an Artist Statement

Tuition $90.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Camilla Cook

SM0312 Mar 3, 2012 (12pm - 4pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

What is an Artist Statement and why is it necessary? Stumped and overwhelmed by the task of putting your visual process into words? Join artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, as she demystifies the process in a nurturing environment. You will develop your ideas through a brainstorming session and series of guided steps. Using the notes of one volunteer as an example, the group will go through a complete editing process together. Then Camilla will spend one-on-one time helping individuals craft their own unique versions. Bring a journal/notebook and a pen/pencil. Also bring rough notes about your artwork and/or past Artist Statement versions (or attempts), if you have them.

Buttons, Buckles, Bangles, Oh, My!: Waxworking for Cast Objects

Buttons, Buckles, Bangles, Oh, My!: Waxworking for Cast Objects

Tuition $240.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Rachel Morris

JF0712 Mar 4 + 25, 2012 (10am-5pm) 2 Sundays (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

Day one, students will work with casting wax and wax working tools to craft their choice of metal buttons, belt buckles, and jewelry objects. Students will not learn casting techniques in this class – instead, finished models will be sent away for professional casting in student’s choice of silver or brass (copper possible with multi-unit orders). Students will return two weeks later to de-spur and finish the pieces they have made. The class is open to anyone, regardless of prior jewelry experience. It is also ideal for sculptors wanting to branch out into new media, and for knitters and clothiers who want to put the proper finishing touches on their handmade clothing. This is a great work-from-home hobby! There is a base studio/materials fee of $40 due at time of registration for wax model-making materials. You may also opt to purchase a tool kit (contents listed under Materials List tab above) for an additional $60. Casting fees vary, and are dependent upon size and metal.

Blacksmithing 101

Tuition $240.00

Beginner, Experienced Beginner, Advanced Beginner
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Matthew Parkinson

MB0612 Mar 24-25, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Saturday/Sunday (The Good Forge)

Students interested in blacksmithing will gain a working knowledge of the fundamentals in this enjoyable weekend workshop. Basic techniques will be covered, including use of tools, safety, the forge, controlling a fire, reading the temperature of the metals, and shaping. Special emphasis will be placed on gaining a solid foundation of hammer techniques and use, handling hot steel and fire control. Students can expect to complete one (possibly more) pieces during this workshop, and will have gained a working knowledge about the forge that can be built upon for future explorations of both process and object design. A studio/materials fee of $45 is due at time of registration. Teens are welcome, but please call in advance of registration for details.

SAMPLER WORKSHOP: Basics of Blacksmithing w/ Matthew Parkinson

SAMPLER WORKSHOP: Basics of Blacksmithing

Tuition $60.00

Beginner, Experienced Beginner
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Matthew Parkinson

MB0712 Apr 7, 2012 (10am - 1pm) Saturday morning (The Good Forge)

See what the buzz is all about and get introduced to the Good Forge at Brookfield Craft Center. This Sampler Workshop gives students an overview of the basics of blacksmithing, and a chance to create a small project using a coal forge. Students should expect to gain some working knowledge of hammering steel on an anvil, and complete a small ornamental leaf to take home. This taste of blacksmithing may very well wet your appetite for more in-depth workshops in blacksmithing and bladesmithing at the Good Forge. A studio/materials fee of $10 is due at time of registration. Teens are welcome, but please call in advance of registration for details.

Brookfield Craft Center's Sampler Workshops are designed with the beginner in mind. These short, low-cost workshops eliminate the intimidation of trying a new art medium and using a new studio. You might just find your new artistic calling, but you will never know unless you give it a try.

Photographing Your Work

Tuition $110.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Joe Larese

SP0112 Apr 1, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sun (River Room, Mill Building)

Do photos never do your art justice? Present your work in the best light by learning simple digital photography tips with this one-day workshop. Professional photographer and fine craftsman, Joe Larese, is here to help non-professionals take clear, well lit photographs of your handwork. The course will introduce students to tabletop studio photography, which will allow you to photograph your work for documentation and marketing purposes. Demonstrations will include professional lighting techniques with inexpensive store-bought fluorescent lamps and reflecting materials, making a photo studio framework for supporting backgrounds and lights, and understanding digital camera settings. Students should bring one of your pieces to be photographed during hands-on exercises, your digital camera (if you own one), a tripod (if you own one) and your camera’s manual.