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Sometimes described as the “hot glue gun” of steel. Learn to safely operate a wire welder (MIG) and ARC Welder. The Shop Staff has assembled an inspirational scrap pile of shapes and sizes of steel for you to create anything you can imagine!

This class teaches the fundamental skills needed to forge steel and understand how to safely and effectively use blacksmithing tools. Learn to bend, taper, twist, punch steel while you work on several small projects. Expect to take home a functional kitchen utensil and a couple of hooks. No prerequisite required. This class can be used as a prerequisite for Intermediate Blacksmithing and Sunday Open Studio. Prerequisites: None | Level: Beginner | Ages: 15+ (If minor- parent/guardian must be present) "Silver" members and above receive a 10% discount off class tuition. Call before you order to retrieve your Member Discount Code.

Welding is cool.

By Savannah Smith I am very thankful to the Metal Museum for the opportunity to go to and represent them at the International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art in Berlin, Germany. I didn’t imagine going until I learned that there was a grant available to the apprentices here, without which I would not have been able to attend. This was a very special trip for me and something I will never forget. I learned a lot over the week I spent in Germany: I saw a sculpture by someone who influenced my path in metal work, expanded my community of friends and peers, was taken aback by the beautiful art in the gallery shows, listened intently during the theoretical panels, and was in awe of a fabulous bronze foundry where an iron pour was taking place. Of course, more than just those things went on during my trip that made it memorable and thought-provoking. The influence that this trip has had will inspire my work and how I interact with learning, teaching, and making art for the rest of my life. As artists who make heavy work, we know that it takes a team to bring our ideas into reality. The idea of helping, learning, and growing alongside one another was further galvanized by my experience in Berlin. Attending this conference ultimately made me more appreciative of the Metal Museum and other arts organizations like it. It is a place where everyone is welcome and wanted: artists and non-artists.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul - Emily Dickinson When Blues Bird outside the Cossitt Library in Downtown Memphis was injured earlier this year, one of its wings damaged by a falling branch, the Metal Museum was at the ready, mending the new public sculpture to allow the songbird to fly high again. The piece is an original artwork designed by Portland-based firm rhiza A+D, which drew inspiration from Memphis as well as the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy. A haven of creativity and imagination, the downtown library was the perfect place for "Blues Bird" to perch, sharing its pop-up storybook pages with passers-by. Commissioned by the City of Memphis Percent-for-Art Program with the Urban Arts Commission, "Blues Bird" invites the people to become immersed in its pages, reading words composed by Memphians young and old. After some TLC to the wing, which is around 20 times the length of an average mockingbird wing, the Metals Studios team brought it back to its original home, reaffixing the wing so Blues Bird can soar once more outside Memphis' first public library.

As a rather new employee at the Metal Museum, I have recently been exposed to a myriad of metal artwork. While I continue to learn more about this particular kind of art, it is safe to say that the Metal Arts is an incredibly unique and innovative field. Upon my arrival to the museum, the exhibition From Artisans to Artists: African American Metal Workers in Memphis was just beginning to operate in full swing. The exhibition, specially curated by the brilliant Dr. Earnestine Jenkins, quickly piqued my interest. Fortunately, the museum staff was given the opportunity to have a guided tour of the exhibit- an opportunity that I am grateful to have been offered. The artwork itself is a beautiful collection of African and African American pieces that have made statements in the metal work community. I was excited to see artwork from West Africa featured in the exhibit as I studied the art of this region during my last year of undergrad. To know that these foreign pieces could be connected to the work created by Black metalsmiths right here in Memphis was mind-blowing. With Dr. Jenkins being a proud native, it is understandable that one of the focal points of this exhibit is Black pioneers of Whitehaven. From Artisans to Artists: African American Metalworkers in Memphis offers a detailed perspective into the forgotten history of the city and the African American metal workers who greatly impacted the development of the area. The exhibit provides information on historical figures that may not have been discussed in primary school. For example, photography and biographic information is presented for Blair Hunt and David Carnes–two extraordinary blacksmiths and entrepreneurs. There is also artwork from incredible contemporary artists: Richard Hunt, Lorenzo Scruggs, Desmond Lewis, and Hawkins Bolden. I was impressed by the creative genius of each metal worker’s artistic decisions, i.e. Lewis's choice to include music as a way to enhance the meaning of his artwork. As We Come To An End... At the end of the tour, I was left in awe as I reveled in such an enlightening experience. As a young African American woman and Memphis native, I realized that From Artisans to Artists was a collection of profound work that would forever change my perspective of Memphis and the communities that have brought and continue to bring life into this city. This is an amazing exhibit and as it approaches an end on September 11, I am highly anticipating the next event where Dr. Jenkins discusses more about her research. From Artisans to Artists: Art in The Park will be held on September 10 from 10am-2pm, at David Carnes Park; this is a free community event that will commemorate the namesake exhibition a day before its closure.

foundry invitational F.I.R.E. + river exhibition MAY 29 – JUNE 2 SPONSORED BY ABOUT THE CONFERENCE ​ The annual Foundry Invitational & River Exhibition (F.I.R.E.) , now in its 8th year, is a conference for metal casting artists of all experience levels. Held at the Metal Museum's Foundry, the conference offers attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and expand their knowledge of mold making. The event features instruction from Foundry staff and volunteers, as well as access to a variety of pattern and flask materials. In addition, participants ca n partake in specialized workshops and a pop-up exhibition highlighting the work of conference attendees. The conference concludes on Saturday with a day of metal pouring, including aluminum, bronze, and iron, followed by a post-pour dinner. featuring two workshops: CHASING + FINISHING WORKSHOP LEARN MORE GREEN SAND WORKSHOP LEARN MORE FAMILY FUN DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 11AM – 3PM LEARN MORE POP-UP EXHIBITION All attendees are encouraged to submit one art piece for display during the Saturday of F.I.R.E. The Museum will supply labels for exhibit, and encourages artists to bring business cards, show cards and other supporting materials to display along with artwork. Submissions are due by May 1 at 9AM SUBMISSION FORM Conference Rates 2024 CONFERENCE RATES CONFERENCE ADMISSION* CONFERENCE ADMISSION*(STUDENT) CONFERENCE + WORKSHOP** CONFERENCE + WORKSHOP**(STUDENT) $200 $150 $350 $300 Studio assistant positions available during the conference. Studio assistant applications must be submitted by March 15. REGISTER HERE STUDIO ASSISTANT APPLICATION * General Conference registration does not include material fees. Check details of the workshops for materials included. Registration is first come, first serve; no additional seats will be added. ​ **Conference registration included with workshop registration. $50 provided for Green Sand workshop materials. Materials included in Chasing and Finishing workshop. Due to overlapping schedules, workshop participants may only choose one workshop to attend. Please select your desired workshop at check out. CERAMIC SHELL FEE - $30 (can be selected during registration) ​ MATERIAL FEES: For those who wish to make molds independent of the workshops, resin sand is $0.50/#, green sand is $0.25/# (reclaimed to the Museum), ceramic shell is $7.00/#, "break it yourself" iron is $0.50/# (Iron and coke must be broken by Friday evening), aluminum is $6.00/# and bronze is $8.00/#. Please submit personal material (Iron and sand) needs using the form below by May 1st. MATERIALS REQUEST FORM ADDITIONAL INFO Full Event Schedule Ceramic Shell Info Pop-Up Exhibit Info Rules + Regulations Recommendations (nearby Hotels, Restaurants) Camping on the Metal Museum grounds is free. Space is limited. First come first serve. Details FRIENDS OF F.I.R.E. ​ Help support a one-of-a-kind educational conference for Foundry and casting artists by becoming a Friend of F.I.R.E. Friends help bring guest artists to Memphis, tent attendee workspaces, purchase materials and feed conference attendees. ​ Help support the 8 th annual F.I.R.E. conference by becoming a Friend today! BECOME A FRIEND BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR

EXHIBITIONS CURRENT | UPCOMING | PAST BRANCHING OUT FEB. 18, 2024 – SEP. 8, 2024 Discover intricate connections between students, teachers, and casting communities, which branch out much like a family tree. EXHIBIT DETAILS VISIT EXHIBITION EXHIBIT DETAILS 2023 ACCESSIONS TO THE PERMANENT COLLECTION NOV. 18, 2023 – APR. 20, 2024 This Accessions series honors the new additions to our Permanent Collection throughout each calendar year. In the year 2023 we have accessioned over 30 pieces to our collection, each with their own story to tell. EXHIBIT DETAILS VISIT EXHIBITION EXHIBIT DETAILS BEAUTY IN THE BOUNDARY ONGOING Consider the permeable boundary between form and function with this exploration of decorative ironwork, ranging in date from historic to modern. ​ image: Darryl Nelson, Four Hour Gate, 1984. Photo courtesy of the Metal Museum. EXHIBIT DETAILS VISIT EXHIBITION EXHIBIT DETAILS The Metal Museum is committed to fostering diversity and a spirit of inclusiveness. Read our Diversity Statement here .

EXHIBITIONS CURRENT | UPCOMING | PAST TRIBUTARIES: MORGAN LUGO IT'S ALL RELATIVE APR. 21 – JUL. 7, 2024 Lugo uses permanent materials, such as bronze, to speak to the lasting effects of past experiences on the progression of personal growth. LEARN MORE NO PLACE LIKE HOME MAY 1 – JUN. 2, 2024 Varied perspectives, techniques, and themes from queer artists in the metals community remind the viewer of the complexity and contradictions behind the mantra, “there’s no place like home.” LEARN MORE The Metal Museum is committed to fostering diversity and a spirit of inclusiveness. Find our Diversity Statement here .