Forging Community Sets Up Shop in New Location
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DULUTH - Duluth's Forging Community has moved to a new spot.
The Forging Community moved in December, but just recently started working at their new location on London Road in Duluth.
The group of blacksmiths are working to keep the knowledge and traditions of their trade alive.
They are sustainable oriented and forge with charcoal, which they tell us is less toxic for blacksmiths than alternatives and provides a much smaller risk for cancer or other health issues.
"Really what our facility is about is bringing people together in the craft. Giving time to study, both formally and informally and giving time to practice," said Paul Webster, President of Forging Community.
Right now, the Forging Community is working with Duluth Grill on a sculpture contest.
The grill wants four, food-themed sculptures.
Anyone in the community can participate and provide models to judged later this month.
Twelve will be picked and displayed at Duluth Grill.
The public will then vote to choose the top four.
Duluth Grill originally planned on shopping and museums, but decided to instead put on the contest to support local work.
"Why don't we focus and make this a local event where we can bring, we can get exactly what we want by starting from the ground up," said Webster.
There are 45 students members and six instructors in Forging Community.
Classes are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 8 p.m.
There is also a longer class taught on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IF you'd like to sign up for a class or participate in the sculpture contest you can head over to their Facebook page called Forging Community.
The Forging Community gift shop is open to the public whenever classes are in session.