August
August (he/him), age 18:
August bounded into the program as a very directed and motivated young person, with some existing metalworking experience from MPLS Rtech program at Roosevelt High School. After he attended a field trip to our shop and observed a blacksmithing demonstration, he knew quickly he wanted to be a part of this program. His enthusiasm for the process and bright humor in the group has been such a gift and will take him far as he sets off to study engineering in his next chapter.
Blue
Blue (he/they), age 18:
Blue is our perpetual stoic, yet big hearted and hilarious. Blue comes from a digital art background and wasn't so sure blacksmithing was going to be his thing. His growth throughout this program has been incredible, in both forging and social skills. The strength and confidence in his hammering, as well as the solid presence he brings to the group each week has been a great measure of the impact of this program and a great joy of mine as his teacher.
Nico
Nico (he/ him), age 14:
Nico brought with him some previous blacksmithing experience and was able to compare projects to see how much he grew from his past experience to the work we did together in this group. He dived into the process of hammering confidently and was able to channel emotion and experience from current life circumstances to directly inform his project. His talents in drawing and working with various materials were apparent as he put together the stages of his project. Nico has an amazingly creative mind and sweet sensibility that makes him a talented artist and a joy to work with.
Ellie
Ellie/Salem (they/ them), age 14:
Salem came to the program with no previous experience in blacksmithing but an array of arts and creative processes. Their creative mind shined brightly as they entered into the realm of forging steel and explored the process and material deeply and intentionally. Salem brings a youthful and playful spirit to the group and has been a vital part of our work together.
anvil photo image by fxquadro on Freepik
two friends youth photo by ___ on Freepik
youth with rainbow flag photo by ___ on Freepik
woman welder photo by ___ on Freepik