First Heat: Coal Forge Blacksmithing Sampler
- Sunday, July 19th, 2026
- 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join blacksmithing instructor Lee Meilleur from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for a one-day blacksmithing workshop at Dodge’s forge at Shepard Farm!
Get a taste of blacksmithing as it’s been done throughout the ages in this introductory workshop, designed with newcomers in mind. You’ll learn about traditional methods and equipment, including the coal forge, hammer, tongs, and anvil. Practice your technique by forging an S hook, a J hook, or a shape that has yet to be invented. Feel the force when shaping molten metal!
No experience necessary. 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.
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Age | Adults 18+ |
| Cost | $140 |
| Date(s) | Sunday, July 19th, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove 8946 70th Street S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 |