Learning In The Arts - Blacksmithing

Learning in the Arts for Senior Adults (55+)

The Schoharie River Center is launching a new program, specifically for senior adults ages 55 and above. Through support from grants from the New York State Council on the Arts, provided by Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the Schoharie River Center is taking registrations for two series of lessons for Learning in the Arts for Seniors: Blacksmithing and Visual Storytelling through Video for Seniors. Each series will cost $100.00/person for members of the Schoharie River Center and $160.00 for non- members, for a total of 8 lessons each. We request that registrants commit to attending the entire series, if possible. There are scholarships available for a limited number of participants. Each class will be limited to no more than 8 students. COVID-19 protocols will be strictly followed (masking and social distancing).

To Register: Complete the registration online at www.schoharierivercenter.org , call the Schoharie River Center at 518-875-6230, or mail a check in the proper amount to Schoharie River Center, 2025 Burtonville Road Esperance, NY.

About the Schoharie River Center:

The Schoharie River Center has as its mission to instill a love for learning, arts and science, promote the values of stewardship for our local environment, and encourage the positive and responsible involvement of youth in their communities. Located at 2025 Burtonville Road, Esperance, NY, the Schoharie River Center is located on 25 acres in the hamlet of Burtonville. Its facilities include a nature preserve with an outdoor classroom, the David Remling Science Center, a Cultural Hall, and classroom facilities for blacksmithing and maple syrup production. Merging the disciplines of environmental science and cultural studies, the “Learning in the Arts for Senior Adults” series are supported by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Blacksmithing (May 1 & 2; May 8 & 9: May 15 & 16; May 22 & 23)

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Led by Noah Khoury, this series will take those who are interested in the art of blacksmithing from beginning knowledge of the equipment and facilities needed to create your own forge, to gaining competency at creating simple objects, including hooks, jewelry, fireplace pokers, and other implements. One does not need strengthto be able to craft a beautiful object. Rather, one needs to understand how metal behaves when heated.

About the instructor:

A second generation blacksmith, Noah began to learn the art alongside his father who was also a blacksmith and metal fabricator. Upon graduation from High School, Noah studied blacksmithing at the Appalachian Center for Craft at Tennessee Tech University. After completing his degree, he returned to his native Altamont, where he has a blacksmith shop and makes items as diverse as hardware to ornamental ironwork, to artistic furniture. In the summer, he instructs blacksmithing for kids through the Helderberg Workshops, inspiring the next generation of blacksmiths.

A small materials fee of $20.00 will be charged to provide your own ear and eye protection, as well as coal and metal for the use of the class.