NOVEMBER 14-16, 2025
Leslie Tharp: WORKSHOP
Bringing the forge to you!
Join Gainesville, Florida based Metal Artist Leslie Tharp for an amazing 1, 2 OR 3 days together learning the basics of metalworking, including forging, shaping and more!
Jump into the world of blacksmithing with 3 fun options alongside this accomplished artist:
You can choose 1, 2 OR 3 (discounts apply if registering for all 3 options, see details below)
- Ceramic Plate Holder
- BBQ Fork
- Coat Rack
All safety gear is provided. NO experience is required.
Limited capacity - only 8 participants per project.
Cancellation fee: $100
Ages 16+ welcome (if you think your child might need some assistance, please consider staying to help, it's a rigorous and detailed process, working with heat, etc.)
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ALL 3 DAYS:
You must be energetic and able to take on physical challenges. Forging several days in a row can be taxing on the body, and we want you to leave enjoying your experience. Please consider only signing up for 1 or 2 sessions if you do not commonly work in an athletic manner.
Lodging available on-site, just $50/night.
Please email Valerie@moreanworkshopspace.org to request a room (limited availability).
BBQ Fork
Choose 1, 2 or 3 options below:
BBQ Fork - 3 Hours - $250
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
This short and sweet intro to blacksmithing class is a fun excuse to spend a little time working by the forge!
Students will move through the steps of tapering, hot cutting, fullering, drawing out, and twisting hot steel to produce their own unique BBQ Fork!
3-Hour WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Friday, April 11: 5pm-8pm
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
This blacksmithing class is an opportunity to elevate your hand-made, or much cherished, ceramic platter!
We will work to create 1-2 unique iron supports for platters of variable sizes.
Please bring the item you hope to display so we can make sure the fit is just right.
Options for table display or wall mounted display are available.
Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of blacksmithing techniques while creating their own unique projects!
1-Day WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Saturday, April 12: 9am-4pm
(lunch break)
Coat Rack: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Ceramic Plate Holder: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Coat Rack: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Join us for this all day class, aimed at highlighting the wide variety of techniques that can be applied to creating a custom coat rack.
In this class we will cover tapering, scrolling, bending, hot punching, and riveting to produce a beautiful coat rack!
1-Day WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Sunday, April 13: 9am-4pm (lunch break)
Check out these images from past workshops with Leslie:
Meet Nationally acclaimed metal artist, Leslie Tharp:
About the Artist
Based in Gainesville, FL metal artist Leslie Tharp specializes in large scale public art and teaching hands on metalworking classes. Her blacksmithing training began at Penland School of Craft, where Tharp received a work study scholarship in the Iron Studio.
Beyond Tharp's role as a maker is her role as a teacher:
"I love to teach! It’s built on my own love of learning and eagerness to share. I aim to create a very inclusive and motivating environment for students as they begin their journey into metalworking."
Leslie's work can be seen in public and private collections around the country.
More information on Leslie Tharp can be found here: Leslie Tharp, Metal Artist
Stay with us!
Make it a retreat and stay on property for a
fully immersive experience!
Limited housing available, please contact valerie@moreanworkshopspace.org directly for availability.
Just $50/night during the Blacksmith Workshop
with Leslie Tharp.