Anderson blacksmith shop holds first youth program

A blacksmithing shop in Anderson is holding a youth blacksmithing camp this week. As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, the organizer says it’s about both creativity and a way to support the push to bring back American manufacturing.

Charlie Ellis instructs with the Coal School of Iron Blacksmith shop.  Camp attendees aged 14 to 19 years old start with forging bronze bracelets and, in five days, move up to making a knife out of a railroad spike.

Ellis says while the program teaches practical skills, it’s also meant to ignite a creative spark.

“Ideally, you know, you want everyone to really get into it and make it their passion,” he said. “But even just, you know, someone who has a passing interest, just trying it out and just understanding what goes into it, the hard work that it takes and the respect for the craft. Even if you don’t get into blacksmithing, you still gain an understanding of craftsmanship.”

Attendees of the program will learn to forge a railroad spike into a knife (Thomas Ouellette/IPR)

The youth program was created through a partnership with the Anderson Museum of Art.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu