Cascadia Center For Arts & Crafts
Connecting Community with Art
Sculptural forms that can be adapted to functional works. Students will be able to focus on traditional and nontraditional methods and techniques of joinery and design. We will practice how ancient forging craft of blacksmithing can make a contemporary modern piece of functional art.
You will learn how to make the punches and chisels needed to sculp a dragon’s head on the end of a bar of steel; learn how to pre-form the head by hammer and anvil, chisel out the beard, ears, mouth and teeth; punch the eyes and nostrils; and form additional details that will bring it -and new possibilities in your work- to life.
In this class we will be exploring the rudimentary hammer techniques used, step by step, to forge a knife blade to shape from scrap steels with very little use of a grinder. This class is centered around the clever techniques of ancient smiths melded with the minimal help of modern tools. Research the "Neo-Tribal Bladesmithing" movement and "Tai Goo" for more info on this philosophy and methodology.
May 30, 2026, 9 am until done (break from 12 pm to 1 pm) Instructor: Darryl Nelson Level: Intermediate Cost: $275 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 […]
This is an intermediate class. 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
This is an advanced class. 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 […]
Intermediate Blacksmithing Workshop Instructor: Joe Elliot This two-day workshop focuses 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. Over the course of two 6-hour days, students […]
Each year, the CCAC proudly presents blacksmithing classes, demonstrations, and camaraderie. The demonstration events are open to all ages and feature the exceptional craft and knowledge of master blacksmiths. Demonstrators Patrick Maher, Aaron & Jesse Bushey, Darryl Nelson, Joe Elliot.
