Road trip to Center for Metal Arts
When I was invited to teach at Touchstone, my first thought was yay! - of course. My second thought was .. how close is Touchstone to the Center for Metal Arts? I first heard of CMA on Instagram a few years back, after seeing some mind-bogglingly large power hammers and some equally heavy-hitters on their teaching roster.
So, what is it? A non-profit forging school in Johnstown, PA, housed in the historical Cambria Iron Company's Blacksmith shop and associated buildings, built in the 1850's. They are restoring the facilities there one power hammer at a time, led by the amazing Patrick Quinn. There is already a full blacksmith shop, and courses that range from 1-week workshops to 6-week 'forging focus' programs. Some programs are FREE if accepted, due to generous grants. Read more and see some fantastic pics. |
Teaching at Touchstone
I've recently returned from five fabulous days teaching at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Western Pennsylvania. They have an extensive campus; besides my mokume gane box making class, there was a blacksmithing class, ceramics, and textiles. There is even a glass-blowing studio! Students and teachers alike stayed in either dorm rooms or cabins, and we all ate at a central dining hall. It felt like a proper retreat, well for the students anyway! It was a lot of fun for me too, but I left wanting to go back as a student. There is nothing like that feeling of being able to just work in the studio all day, no driving, no cooking, no cleaning, no TV, no emails. Many of my students went back to the studio after dinner, working till the wee hours.
Read more and see all the pics! |
Anne's mokume gane work in CoMA show
I'm proud to be a member of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association, even though I've never lived in Colorado. They are just so cool, we should all sign up. Anyway, I'll be having some work in their annual show, I've just sent it off to DAVA Gallery in Aurora, CO. This triskellion lidded dish will be one of the three pieces I'll have on display there. The show goes from July 20 - August 19th, be sure to check it out if you're in the Denver area then (it's really close to the Denver airport)! |
Looking for Sawing Circle? You can join from here!
Online Sawing Circle When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 5:30-7pm Pacific. Where: Online via Zoom - Cost: FREE Our Sawing Circle is like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects then this is the online gathering for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. I don't attend all the time, but when I am there, I'm happy to answer any mokume or other metals question, general or specific. Even if I'm not there, you'll still have fun, I promise! |
"Anne was so wonderful to work with for my fiancé's wedding ring! She answered all of our questions during the process and above all, the ring is gorgeous, beautiful, unique and perfect! Thank you, Anne. You have created an heirloom we will treasure for a long time." ~ Emily & Greg |
"Mokume gane patterning with chisels was one of the most enjoyable courses I've ever done." ~ Helen M, Sydney, Australia |