April 24-26, 2026
Leslie Tharp: Blacksmithing
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)
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).
Plate Display
(wall or table display option available)
Choose 1, 2 or 3 options below:
Coat Rack: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
Plate/Platter Display 4 Hours - $350
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:
Friday, April 24: 9am-4pm (lunch break)
Adventure Knife: 2 Day Process - $500
Plate/Platter Display 4 Hours - $350
Coat Rack: $400 ALL DAY: 9am-4pm
The goal of this class is to learn basic hammering techniques while forging a 3.5"-4" blade, which you will dive into on Day 1.
Once your knife has been shaped out, we will go through the heat-treating process to ensure it will hold an edge.
The instructor will sharpen your knife before Day 2, and we will spend Sunday morning together wrapping the handle with a paracord wrap and creating a custom Kydex sheath for your knife.
2-Day WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Saturday, April 25: 10am-5pm
(lunch break on Day 1)
Sunday, April 26: 9am-12pm
Plate/Platter Display 4 Hours - $350
Plate/Platter Display 4 Hours - $350
Plate/Platter Display 4 Hours - $350
This blacksmithing class is an opportunity to elevate your hand-made, or much cherished, ceramic platter!
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!
4 Hour WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Sunday, April 26: 1pm-5pm
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.