Blacksmithing

Beginning Blacksmithing TOP

Instructor: George Anderton
Member of the Blacksmith’s Guild of Potomac (Maryland) with 13 years teaching experience.

Tuition: $220
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 6 students

In this class you will learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing and its tools and how to use them. Most of the class will consist of working on individual projects concentrating on small size stock and primarily working on how to use a hammer accurately. All students will work on the same projects which are:

Center punch
Drive hook
Screw hook
Forge Poker
Two nails
Long flesh fork
One leaf
Pair of tongs

In the course of doing these projects you will learn about tool steel, heat treating tools, drawing a point, scroll forms, dimensioning stock, bending, fullering, splitting, slitting, punching holes, riveting, twisting and using a gas forge. You will also learn how to use a hammer, anvil and vise. You will need to bring a pair of safety glasses or goggles.

Intermediate Blacksmithing TOP

Instructor: George Anderton
Member of the Blacksmith’s Guild of Potomac (Maryland) with 13 years teaching experience.

Tuition: $250
Prerequisite: Beginning Blacksmithing (or equivalent)
Class Size: Limited to 12 students

You will continue to work on hammer accuracy, as well as learn several new techniques and procedures that build on what was learned in the beginning class. Included in this class are projects that teach the basic types of joinery in traditional blacksmithing. You will work on learning to make tennons, scrolls, collars and hinges—all while working in larger sizes of stock. You will use these skills in making a heavy-duty wall hanger, a colonial style fork, a Suffolk latch and a pair of hinges. You will need to bring a pair of safety glasses or goggles.

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Bronze Work

Bronze is the traditional name for a broad range of alloys of copper, usually with zinc and tin but not limited to just those metals. First utilized during the Bronze Age, to which it gave its name, bronze was used to produce tools, weapons and armor which proved either more durable or harder than their stone and copper predecessors.

Ceramic Shell Process TOP

Instructor: Patrick Birge, MA, MFA (link to see Patrick Birge's work)

Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Tuition: $TBD
Note: There is an additional charge per pound for bronze

This class is designed to show you all the steps of the ceramic shell investment process. In other words, we will learn how to make the molds that will be used to receive the hot molten metal to make bronze sculptures. We will start with the creation of a wax sculpture and end with the casting of your piece in bronze. You will learn to work with cold and hot wax-working techniques. Further, you will learn how to build a hollow or solid sculpture in wax, apply textures and surface detail. Next, we will explore the gating process for the ceramic shell investment molds and then we will cast your piece in bronze. The last stage of the process to be demonstrated is the metal chasing, finishing and basic patinas.

Please bring two or three pieces you want cast which should not be larger than 18 inches tall. We will choose one piece to be cast from the two or three brought to class.

Bas-Relief (Scratch Mold Process) TOP

Instructor: Lincoln Mudd, MFA in Sculpture, BA in Studio Arts; has won many awards and has been featured in many group exhibits.

Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Tuition: $350 (plus a $100 materials fee)
Note: There is an additional charge per pound for bronze

In this introductory metal casting class students will make a bronze bas-relief ( suitable for interior or exterior display. Using resin bonded sand students will first create a simple scratch mold. Then by utilizing an immediate process students will directly carve the sand mold. Students will then learn to gate, vent and close their mold. Finally the class will cast and chase their work, creating a bronze relief panel.

Lincoln will be teaching additional classes in the near future. Two classes already planned are "Lost Wax (Sand Mold)" and "Piece Mold Workshop" — an intensive two-weekend long course. Please check back here often.

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Flameworking

Introduction to Flameworking TOP

Instructor: Liz Mears (author of Flameworking: Creating Glass Beads, Sculptures & Functional Objects, link to see some of Liz' work)
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

In this class students will learn how to operate their torches and will learn safety measures to be taken when working with oxygen/propane torches. Beginning exercises will focus on the use of gravity as a tool, making small solid objects from clear glass, fusing solid joints, and applying simple surface decoration with colored glass, powders, and frits. The kiln will be introduced as a tool for holding and annealing. These beginning exercises in solid glass will be followed by an introduction to making simple objects using hollow tubing. Parts which have been made will be incorporated into a simple small sculpture.

Intermediate Flameworking TOP

Instructor: Liz Mears (author of Flameworking: Creating Glass Beads, Sculptures & Functional Objects, link to see some of Liz' work)
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: Some experience
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

Beginning experience in flameworking is beneficial before taking this class. This class will focus on the use of hollow tubing. We will work on pulling points. More advanced topics: blown objects, color inclusions in solid glass, surface color on tubing, heat gradient as it relates to creating larger sculpture, and fusing tubing to make joints.

Marbles, Pendants & Solid Ornaments TOP

Instructor: Liz Mears (author of Flameworking: Creating Glass Beads, Sculptures & Functional Objects, link to see some of Liz' work)
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

Previous experience is not necessary. In this class students will learn how to operate their torches. They will learn safety measures to be taken when working with oxygen/propane torches. The exercises in this class will focus on making marbles, pendants for jewelry or shade pulls, and solid ornaments such as icicles. We will use color both as surface decoration and as inclusion in clear glass.

Create A Sculpture TOP

Instructor: Liz Mears (author of Flameworking: Creating Glass Beads, Sculptures & Functional Objects, link to see some of Liz' work)
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: Some experience
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

Some previous experience is helpful. In this class we will concentrate on making small parts from either solid glass or hollow tubing. These parts can then be incorporated into a larger sculpture. Each student will work independently to realize his/her own vision led by assistance from and demonstrations by the instructor. The holding kiln will be used as a tool to enable students to work on a larger scale.

Focus On Color Sculpture TOP

In this series of classes we will use colored glass from various borosilicate color manufacturers as we experiment with flame atmosphere and its effect on color in both internal and external applications. We will also become familiar with colors that "strike" and those that are neutral as we create a sample color chart. This class is designed to help you discover your color palette preferences.

Instructor: Liz Mears (author of Flameworking: Creating Glass Beads, Sculptures & Functional Objects, link to see some of Liz' work)
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: Some experience
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

Beadmaking (Beginning/Intermediate) TOP

These are combined classes are for both beginning and intermediate level students. You will learn basic beadmaking, as well as advanced techniques. Please wear comfortable clothing (long-sleeved shirts and pants) made of natural fiber and shoes that are closed.

Instructor: Lisa St. Martin
Tuition: $250 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

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Beadmaking (Advanced) — Is This Glass? TOP

In this two-day workshop students will learn how to combine enamels, ceramic overglazes, fuming, electroforming and engraving to create a new look for beads.

Instructor: Kate Fowle Meleny
Tuition: $300 (includes materials)
Prerequisite: Some experience
Class Size: Limited to 10 students

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Mold Making TOP

Mold Making for Bronze Casting TOP

Instructor: Patrick Birge, MA, MFA (link to see Patrick Birge's work)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Tuition: $350 (includes materials)

This is a fun introductory and intermediate 8-week course designed to teach methods in making rigid and flexible molds. Molds will be lifted from sculpted or found objects. Using student’s work already completed in clay or other materials, this course will demonstrate the steps and methods needed for making an open face or relief mold as well as the ever-difficult piece mold. From plaster to rubber, from oil clay to polyurethane, plan to get messy and creative!

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Mosaics TOP

Mosaics were created and perfected by the ancient Greeks and Romans. This unique art form has persevered throughout the centuries down to today. Now this ancient art is experiencing a phenomenal growth in popularity throughout the country and around the world. Experience for yourself the enjoyment of learning the art of mosaics. Our classes and workshops are ideal for both beginners and more advanced students. You will learn various methods and techniques, use a variety of glass, tile, stone and small materials, and become skilled in the use of the full range of tools. Class and workshop size is kept small to ensure that you will receive individualized instruction. Interwoven in the course structure will be a survey of the history of mosaics.

Instructor: Gene Sterud, a retired archaeologist, has taught mosaics in the Greater Washington Region for a number of years. Dr. Sterud is an active member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists.

Click on any thumbnail below to see a larger image of Gene Sterud's work and hit back to return:

Beginning and Intermediate Mosaics TOP

The Art Of Mosaics TOP
Students will learn, step-by-step, the methods of creating a mosaic work of art and will have the option of creating of replica of an ancient mosaic or a contemporary piece. Each student will produce one or (time permitting) two framed mosaics, ca. 12” x 14”, during the course.

Instructor: Gene Sterud (see bio and examples of work above)
Tuition: $180 (plus a kit fee of $100 payable to the instructor)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 12 students

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Mosaic Table Workshop TOP
Students will design and make a table top using glass tiles— then cement, grout and finish the piece. These tops table make excellent holiday gifts.

Instructor: Gene Sterud (see bio and examples of work above)
Tuition: $90 (plus a fee of $65 payable to the instructor for a kit containing a high-quality wrought iron table, all materials and supplies). Tools provided.
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 12 students

Framed Mirror Workshop TOP
Students will create a 12-inch round framed mirror using glass tiles, then cement, grout, finish and hang the piece. Framed mirrors make excellent holiday gifts.

Instructor: Gene Sterud (see bio and examples of work above)
Tuition: $90 (plus a fee of $30 payable to the instructor for a kit containing a mirror, mounting, materials and supplies). Tools provided.
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 12 students

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Stained Glass TOP

Beginning/Intermediate Stained Glass TOP

Beginning students are able to choose between copper foil or lead came construction to learn the basic techniques of cutting, assembly, and soldering a stained glass window. Students are able to choose from available patterns or design their own. Technique and skills are stressed in this course. Intermediate students will work in an open workshop environment on three-dimensional pieces, larger scale windows, or more complex smaller windows. Intermediate students should come to the first class one hour early with project ideas in mind. All students are able to leave projects and tools in the classroom during non-class times. Tools and supplies may be purchased from the instructor.

Instructor: Jimmy Powers. Mr. Powers has been working in the stained glass industry for 19 years. He has studied the basics of glass construction at James Madison University in Virginia and has worked a number of years in the retail and wholesale business of stained glass where he honed his skills as a glass artist. In 1994, Mr Powers opened GlassPowers, a stained glass studio specializing in residential and commercial commission work. He also keeps busy with repair and restoration work and has been teaching glass 17 years and loves the interaction with students. He has demonstrated the techniques of stained glass at the Smithsonian National American Craft Museum's Renwick Gallery, and The National Building Museum. Mr. Powers' work is installed in numerous homes and churches throughout the DC Metro Area.

Tuition: $200 (plus the cost of glass)
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: Limited to 12 students

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Stone Carving TOP

Discover the joy of stone carving! Using hand tools and pneumatic tools you will explore the infinite dimensions of stone carving. This process provides numerous opportunities to explore forms, movement, surfaces accentuated by the beauty of the material.

Instructor: Reinaldo López
Recent works include the bronze busts of Sojourner Truth and Benjamin Banneker; and the modeling, molds, and casting in concrete of new statues of the four Taft Memorial Bridge Lions (originally sculpted by Roland Hinton Perry in 1904). Reinaldo is also the artist who cast the bronze lions at the entrance to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park.

Click on any thumbnail below to see a larger image of Reinaldo's work and hit back to return:

Stone Carving (Beginning/Intermediate) TOP

This class includes both beginning and intermediate students. Beginners will learn about: the composition of stone; safety procedures; the use of tools (pneumatic and hand) for carving; sharpening of tools; and will create a small sculpture. Intermediate students will build on their stone carving skills and explore the use of larger pieces of stone (limestone or marble) and create a large sculpture.

Class Size: Limited to 12 students
Tuition: $260 ($400 for ST02-W01—a week-long daily class)
Note: There is an additional charge for stones

Stone Carving — Open Studio for Advanced Students (ST02) TOP

This course is offered to students who have experience using pneumatic tools and want to work on their independent projects. Please call to arrange a schedule.

Instructor: Reinaldo López (see samples of Reinaldo's work above)
Tuition: To be determined
Prerequisite: Students experienced in the use of pneumatic tools

Bas-Relief Ornamental Carving (coming soon) TOP

Learn the various techniques associated with bas-relief (also known as low-relief).

Instructor: Reinaldo López

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