Inspired by the legacy of iron-making at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, Rivers of Steel’s Metal Arts program offers educational workshops, public demonstrations, and team-building experiences highlighting foundry work, along with blacksmithing programs.
Metal Arts
Our educational workshops offer a range of hands-on opportunities for both youth and adults to get involved at the novice, intermediate, and experienced skill levels. Participants work hand in hand alongside fellow attendees, Rivers of Steel staff, and visiting artists from across the country.
Blacksmithing Basics
Three-Hour Workshop
Join Rivers of Steel and learn to hammer hot metal! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. Special holiday workshops include Halloween Date Night in October and Holiday Ornaments in November and December.
Sessions are led by Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks) and offered on regularly throughout 2025.
The Doodle Bowl Experience
Three-hour Make-and-Take
Invite your friends for a night of fun and creativity at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. Carve your own bowl and bring your own booze for this Doodle Bowl Experience!
This program is offered on the following dates in 2025: March 16, April 27, May 11, June 29 and July 27, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Additional dates are offered from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on August 21, September 18, October 16 & November 6.
Hot Metal Happy Hour: Forged Bottle Openers
Four Hour Workshop
Forge your own bottle opener at the Carrie Blast Furnaces! Join us for a Hot Metal Happy Hour at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. This three-hour, hands-on event is an excellent introduction to blacksmithing.
These workshops are offered on the following dates in 2025: Saturday, January 25 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., April 11, August 22, and September 26 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Intro to Iron Casting
Three-day Workshop
Work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work, pattern and mold-making, and receive a step by step overview of the iron-casting process.
This program is a three-day workshop offered Thursday through Saturday, May 29 – 31, and October 2 – 4, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bladesmithing 1
Two and Three-day Workshops
These workshops features extended shop time and instruction focusing on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to forge a blacksmithing knife with scroll handle from a single piece of steel.
These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).
The Bladesmithing 1 workshop is offered on February 22 – 23 (Saturday 12 – 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 3 p.m.), and July 8 – 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.
Weeklong Iron Intensives
Six-Day Workshop
This workshop features extended shop time and in-depth instruction / assistance catered to the needs of each individual. Participants will have the chance to learn and experiment with multiple patternmaking materials and create multiple large and complex multi-part sand molds. Weeklong Iron Intensive workshops are offered twice in 2025 on the following dates: May 26– 31 and September 29 – October 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sculptural Aluminum Casting
Three-day Workshop
This workshop will introduce the process used to create three-dimensional sculptural forms in cast aluminum—patternmaking, mold-making, and casting.
This program is offered on the following date: May 7 – 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Team Building
Transformative experiences are at the core of Rivers of Steel’s mission. Plan an event for your team that encourages them to discover new perspectives and connect with one another in fresh ways.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.
