Our South Summit blacksmithing shop is located within a trio of US Forest Service historic cabins. The large shop is fully equipped for several types of classes and abilities, ages 18+. All necessary equipment and tools are provided. Your instructor will provide a specific list when you register. 20 years strong, what a legacy!
We continually add classes of traditional and modern craft conducted by master blacksmiths. More classes posted soon from Anton Yakushev, Darryl Nelson, Mark Manley, Joe Elliott and more!
CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS—If you’d like to teach in our space, please email info@cascadiaart.org or go to our “Instruct With Us” page. See you Summer 2026!
Classes Summer 2026
Cascadian Style Coat Rack
May 30, 2026, 9 am until done (break from 12 pm – 1 pm)
Instructor: Darryl Nelson
Level: Intermediate
This one day intermediate level class will explore the northwest’s own Cascadian style created by the architects and designers of Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge.
Each participant will forge and assemble a spread eagle wall mounted coat rack. By hammer and hand, forge and sculpt a profile eagle head mounting strap with integrated collar and three various length cross bars containing square corners and upset finials.
Required tools and materials are provided.
Participants need intermediate forging skills,
eye and hearing protection, natural fiber clothing, leather footwear and gloves. Personal hand hammer and other tools appropriate to the project are recommended but not required.
Hand-forged and Fabricated Sculptural Art Composition
June 6-7, 2026, 9 am – 4 pm
Instructors: Anton & Pavel Yakushev
Level: Intermediate
Unlock your creativity in this workshop where you’ll learn to design and assemble 2D sculptures with a mix of color, texture, and different metal elements. Discover the secrets of composition, rivet assembly, and artistic accents that bring your work to life. Taught alongside my brother, a renowned street art metal artist from Spain – Pavel Yakushev, this class offers a fresh perspective and an exciting opportunity to step beyond traditional techniques. Perfect for anyone looking to experiment, innovate, and push their artistic boundaries.
Blacksmithing Fundamentals With Mark Manley | Hand-Forged Tongs: The Basics and More
June 13, 2026, 8 am – 5 pm
Instructor: Mark Manley
Level: Some basic forging skills and knowledge/Intermediate
Learn one of the most essential skills in blacksmithing – making your own tongs.
In this hands-on class, students will forge a functional pair of blacksmith tongs from start to finish. Tongs are a foundational tool in the shop, and learning how to make them will deepen your understanding of forging techniques, tool design, and efficient workflow at the anvil.
Participants will come away with the skills and knowledge to design and forge tongs that will meet their own specific needs as a blacksmith.
This class will be 8 hours with a mixture of instructional time and forging time from 8 am to 5 pm with a 1 hour lunch break.
Class will focus on core blacksmithing skills including:
- Drawing out and tapering
- Isolating material
- Punching and drifting
- Riveting and fitting moving parts
- Understanding proportions and jaw geometry
Students will work with mild steel and be guided step-by-step through the process, with plenty of individual instruction. By the end of the class, each participant will leave with a completed pair of tongs and the confidence to make more on their own.
Frog Class
July 11-12, 2026, 9 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Anton Yakushev
Level: Advanced
Join us for a sculptural workshop where you’ll create your own frog sculpture! Learn how to calculate the right amount of materials, forge, shape and adjust metal pieces, and use rivets to assemble your work. I’ll guide you step by step through the process, sharing techniques and tips that bring your sculpture to life. Perfect for anyone eager to explore metal sculpting and create something truly unique.
Introduction to Blacksmithing – One-Day Class
Instructor: Jon Anderson
Level: Beginner- no prior experience required
Date: June 20
Cost: $275
Have you ever wanted to shape iron to your will? Now’s your chance!
This one-day Introduction to Blacksmithing class is perfect for beginners with little to no experience.
You’ll learn the fundamentals safely, confidently, and hands-on from the start.
Throughout the day, you’ll discover:
- Shop safety and forge basics
- Hammer control and efficient striking techniques
- Fundamental forging skills such as drawing out, tapering, bending and twisting
- Proper use of basic blacksmithing tools
This is a fully hands-on class, and each student will complete foundational projects, leaving with their
own forged creations. All materials are included. Just bring sturdy boots, natural fiber clothing, and a
willingness to learn.
Spots are limited to six to keep instruction personal and focused.
Come spend a day at the anvil and discover the art of blacksmithing!
Forged Bamboo Desk Lamp
August 12-13, 2026, 9 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Joe Elliott
Level: Intermediate
This is a two-day workshop during our annual Blacksmith Week focusing on designing and forging a sculptural desk lamp inspired by the form and growth of bamboo. The class is geared toward students with intermediate forging skills who are ready to combine traditional hand forging with light fabrication techniques.
Hummingbird Class
August 29-30, 2026, 9 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Anton Yakushev
Level: Beginner
Discover the art of hand-forged metalwork in this hummingbird sculpture workshop! You’ll learn to work with various metal thicknesses, experiment with different forging techniques, and bring your own unique style to life. By the end of the class, you can choose to turn your composition into a functional 2D sculpture, perfect for display or everyday use. This experience is ideal for anyone looking to combine creativity, technique, and the elegance of nature in their art.
Blacksmith Week 2026
August 12-16, 2026
Each year, the CCAC proudly presents several days of blacksmithing classes, demonstrations and camaraderie. The demonstration events are open to all ages and feature the exceptional craft and knowledge of master blacksmiths.
Registrations and full details upcoming– stay tuned!
Featuring–
Demonstrator: Patrick Maher
photo below– Elevator Tower, Patrick Maher
Demonstrators: Aaron and Jesse Bushey
Aaron was exposed to metal work at the age of 10 when visiting his brother. By twelve, he had built his own shop, Ravensong Forge, in their mom’s backyard. At 13 Aaron began his apprenticeship with Vermont smith Lucian Avery. Aaron spent the summers working with Jesse in California and the rest of the year working with Lucian. At 17 Aaron left to work in Europe. Aaron has worked extensively in the Northeast, Northwest, and Europe. When Aaron arrived in California in 2012 he joined the team at Striker Forge. Aaron continued to travel and work around the U.S and Europe. In 2017 Jesse and Aaron created Bushey Ironworks.
Jesse moved to Tahoe in 2001, he sought out the local blacksmith shop, began sweeping the floors and quickly became an apprentice. He spent many years learning the trade, pursuing lessons from smiths across the US, traveling to learn, and living to forge. In 2010, Jesse and Bernie LaForest, his best friend struck out on their own forming Striker Forge. Their work included many significant projects as far afield as Aman, Jordan, and close to home in many of the Tahoe houses utilizing a wide array of ironwork styles.
