Blacksmithing Classes in CT
Located conveniently off of I-95 in Guilford (411 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437), Guilford Art Center is home to one of the oldest teaching forges in the Northeast. This teaching forge is well-equipped for blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and tool-making classes and workshops. Experienced instructors include Mace Vitale and Aidan Garrity, Journeyman Smiths with the American Bladesmith Society, and Greg AmEnde, a Level One certified instructor for the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA). The open-air forge allows students to work in a dynamic, real-world environment that emphasizes safety, technique, and creativity.
Forge Your Own Path: Blacksmithing & Bladesmithing Classes at Guilford Art Center in Guilford, CT
Looking for a hands-on, unforgettable experience? Guilford Art Center’s blacksmithing program is firing up for a new season with exciting classes that offer the perfect chance to learn the art of forging metal into functional beauty. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned smith, there’s a blacksmith class or bladesmith class that will spark your creativity — and your hammer.
Summer Means New Classes
This summer, Guilford Art Center is offering a fresh lineup of bladesmithing classes and blacksmithing classes that give students the chance to dive into new skills or build on past experience. Classes at our Guilford, CT forge are open to adults and teens (ages 13+), and they fill up quickly—so be sure to register soon!
Here are just a few highlights of what’s on the summer schedule:
- Intro to Blacksmithing: Perfect for beginners, this 4-week class teaches the basics of heating, shaping, and finishing metal. You’ll walk away with functional and artistic pieces made by your own hand.
- Open Forge: For continuing students, these sessions allow you to work independently on personal projects with expert guidance and full use of the GAC forge.
- Forge a Tomahawk Workshop: A two-day intensive that teaches traditional techniques like slit-and-drift or wrap-and-weld to create a fully functional tomahawk.
- Stars & Spikes: Forge ninja-style throwing stars and tools from railroad spikes—a fun and unique experience for adventurous makers.
- Jewelry from the Forge: Explore the creative side of forging by crafting rings, cuffs, and pendants from forged steel.
Who Can Take our Blacksmithing Classes and Bladesmithing Classes?
- Total Beginners: No experience? No problem. Start with the Intro class.
- Hobbyists & Makers: Continue your journey with Open Forge or specialty weekend workshops.
- Teens (13+): Teen blacksmithing classes are safe, fun, and incredibly popular.
- Advanced Students: Deep-dive workshops like the Golok Sword class are for those ready for a challenge.
How to Get Started
Summer bladesmithing classes and blacksmith classes take place at Guilford Art Center’s campus at 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437. It’s just minutes from the historic Guilford Green with east access off I-95. Classes are popular and space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot. Full schedules and registration info are available at www.guilfordartcenter.org.
Whether you dream of forging your first knife, hammering out a hand tool, or creating a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable steel art, Guilford Art Center has the class—and the forge—for you this summer.
Guilford Art Center
411 Church Street
Guilford, CT 06437
I-95, Exit 58
Don’t wait—classes are already filling. Sign up today and strike while the iron’s hot!
