“Moving Metal: Flow and Form in Conceptual Design”

New at the Center for Metal Arts for Fall 2009 “Moving Metal: Flow and Form in Conceptual Design” Florida, NY—The Center for Metal Arts is offering design professionals an opportunity to work hot metal at the forge and anvil, and to explore the design potential of the metals. “Moving Metal: Flow and Form in Conceptual Design” will be held in the fully equipped metal arts teaching studio on September 26 and October 10, 2009. Working physically with one of humanity’s oldest materials can be a creative springboard for new ideas in the design process, in an environment away from the office and virtual design work on the computer. These hands-on classes are designed for the non-blacksmith to experience the physicality of working hot metal, and the drama of rhythmic work at the anvil. No prior metals experience is required to participate in a workshop; both hands-on and observation attendance is available. The Center for Metal Arts has been holding classes in the metal arts since 2003, when Uri Hofi, the international icon of contemporary blacksmithing, gave a two-week intensive in his signature free-form forging. Hofi, who teaches across Europe, has since returned biennially, and the Center for Metal Arts is equipped in the ergonomic Hofi method. The Metal Arts program is equipped with 12 working stations for hammer work at the anvil, power hammer stations, gas and coal forges, and a classroom area where master metal artisans give workshops, seminars, and demonstrations. Adjacent to the classroom area is the working studio of Fine Architectural Metalsmiths, in the renovated 1890's Borden's Creamery Icehouse (www.iceforge.com). The gallery showroom is an idea factory of “sketches in iron” metal design, repousse, fold-form work, bronze casting, forge work studies, and specialty metal finishes. The Center for Metal Arts is located in the picturesque farm village of Florida, in Orange County NY, about 1 hour upstate from New York City. Course dates are September 26 and October 10, 2009. To register for a hands-on session at the forge, call (888) 862-9577 or email [email protected]. Center for Metal Arts, 44 Jayne St., Florida, NY 10921