Intro to Hammer Forming

TOTAL COST: $390
Course Fee: $370
Non-refundable Materials Fee: $20

DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 & SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025
TIME: 10:00AM – 5:00PM PST
LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced
AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)
LOCATION: Building 324A, Fort Worden, Port Townsend.

DESCRIPTION
Discover the art and versatility of hammer forming in this dynamic workshop with expert metalsmith Bill Dawson. Hammer forming is one of the most direct and expressive ways to shape metal, allowing you to create beautiful, organic forms without adding or removing material. In this class, you’ll learn how to manipulate metal using a variety of hammers, anvils, stakes, and jigs, creating everything from subtle curves to dramatic forms.

Through guided exercises and sample pieces, you’ll gain an understanding of how metal behaves when struck, and how to harness its malleability to create custom shapes. Whether you're interested in jewelry or small sculptural pieces, you’ll have the opportunity to create a finished hammered work by the end of the course. This hands-on class is perfect for students looking to explore new techniques, expand their metalworking skills, and add unique textures and forms to their designs.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
All required materials and supplies will be provided with the non-refundable materials fee. You can bring any special stones from your own collection if you wish to.

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT BILL
Bill Dawson began his professional career in metalwork when he took a position at the University of Oregon as a blacksmith, where he crafted tools for the jewelry studio. Since then, he has built his career as a metalsmith, instructor, and researcher, focusing on the history of metalworking techniques. Dawson is less concerned with whether a piece of art is representational, metaphorical, realistic, or abstract; instead, he seeks an underlying creative honesty in the work. This commitment to honest expression serves as the foundation of his art, his teaching, and his life.

Artist website: Bill Dawson

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course’s registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.