lacksmithing/Metals — The JCGEP Metals Shop features the first blacksmith forges and art foundry ever fired on landfill gas. The studio spaces were designed and built by Master Blacksmith William Rogers, a respected professional with over 30 years of experience. The modified, natural-gas forges achieve average temperatures of 1900°-2000° F, running on gas being harvested straight from the landfill, and the foundry has been successfully utilized for bronze and aluminum pours. JCGEP is a proud member of the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA).

As a part of the crafts business incubator, JCGEP rents studio space to up to three metals artists for 1-3 year residencies.  Studio rent is $400 per month, which includes shared use of landfill gas (used as fuel for forges and foundry).  Rent does not include raw materials, consumables, electricity, water, telephone, housing, or meals.  All metal artists share the 2,500 sq.-ft. shop, which includes: landfill gas forges, coal forge, foundry, plasma cutter, dedicated welding area with mig and arc welders, torches, fly-wheel press, drill press, and other metal fabrication equipment.

Residents of JCGEP share in a rotating studio schedule during normal park hours, as well as assist with tours and workshops when necessary.  Residents are encouraged to display and sell their crafts from the park, and each artist is asked to create one piece that will remain with the park as an historic record of the participants in the program. 
In addition to the three long-term resident spaces, JCGEP offers the opportunity for 4-week rotating residencies and select internships, available year-round.  For more information about these programs, click on the application forms or contact us directly.

 

Blacksmith Studio Mural

Designed by Tracy Kirchmann

Painted by Art at the Park attendees in September 2008

Painting Facilitated by Doreyl Ammons Cain

Drawing

Painting