Coal Forge Blacksmithing Project Shop: Fire Poker

Join blacksmithing instructor Lee Meilleur from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for a one-day blacksmithing workshop at Dodge’s forge at Shepard Farm! 

Transform a piece of raw metal into an artistic yet functional fire poker for your fireplace or fire pit. You’ll learn about traditional methods and equipment, including the coal forge, hammer, tongs, and anvil. To create your custom hand-forged piece, you’ll practice essential skills: taper, bend, twist, forge weld, and collar. 

Open to beginners, though some forging experience will be helpful. All materials and consumables included in class cost. 

About the Instructor
Lee Meilleur has seven years of blacksmithing and metalwork experience and has trained at CAFAC, North House Folk School, The Guild of Metalsmiths, Saint Paul College, and The Hack Factory. He is an instructor with The Guild of Metalsmiths and volunteers at the Minnesota Transportation Museum, where he contributes to blacksmithing and fabrication projects. Lee values collaboration and enjoys working with others to create, restore, and teach. His dedication to craftsmanship and community drives his passion for preserving and sharing the art of metalwork.