Submitted by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County

The EDC invites San Juan County youth to learn the basics of blacksmithing in a class offered in partnership with The Fellow Shop, led by Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren. Jean and Nic continue to share their extensive professional experience with the community, first as cabinetmakers and finishers, and now in metal arts. They are gifted in instruction and enthusiastic to share their knowledge with island youth.

The EDC partners with community members to introduce youth to a wide variety of skills and career options, inspire them to be curious, and empower them to pursue further training. This entry-level course will focus on safety while introducing basic forging tools and principles. Students will create a functional project to take home at the end of the workshop.

Details: Students may choose one of two workshops to attend:

Saturday, Jan. 13 or Saturday, Jan. 27

Each session will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Fellow Shop on San Juan Island. A $20.00 registration fee and parent attendance is required.

Deadline: Enrollment is open until 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. Space is very limited.

This course is open only to San Juan County residents ages 10 to 18 years old who have an interest in metalwork and handcrafts.

To register, visit https://sanjuansedc.org/trades.

To learn more, contact the EDC at marti@sanjuansedc.org.

This course is made possible by the San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan County, the BIAW and San Juan Building Association, and other funders of the EDC’s Trades Training Initiative, including the United Way of San Juan County, the Port of Friday Harbor, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and other donors. To support EDC trades programs, please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/donate.