[TheForge] Blacksmithing Diplomas/Certificates

[Dan Armstrong]

I am a self-trained blacksmith who has taught smithing at an art school for several years. By self-trained I mean that I've taken many weekend to week long workshops over the years and then incorporated what I've learned in my shop and then in the classroom.
    The art school has now been assimilated by a community college and I am being told that I need to improve my 'formal training' in blacksmithing, i.e., take a course with a certificate or diploma at the end of it. The Artist Blacksmith Certificate at Fleming College in Haliburton, Ontario, is suggested as an example of a suitable course (4 mos. full time) OR 'acceptable equivalent'.
    I'm wondering what acceptable equivalents may exist out there. I know Penland offers 2 month courses but am not sure about their academic viability.
    Anyone have any thoughts? I'd rather go somewhere other than Ontario, ideally in the western US or Canada.
    Thanks for any help.

Dan

ps: I have run through the various websites listed under ABANA's Resources list.


August 2, 2006 4:45 PM