Elizabeth Belz, Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths

Elizabeth Belz is an educator, blacksmith, and owner of Black Widow Forge, LLC, located in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Having trained under master metal smith James Masterson, she has also worked with the North House Folk School, Science Museum of Minnesota, Penland School of Craft, and John C. Campbell Folk School. She has presented across the nation and world including competing in the 9th World Forging Competition in Stia, Italy. 

Belz is a member of The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, a nationwide organization dedicated to building equity and diversity in the field of blacksmithing. They offer mentorship, connections to resources, and special events that empower and support the community while reducing social and economic barriers to metal working.

Special thanks to the Kentucky Humanities Council for sponsoring Belz's presentation.

Andrew Larson

Andrew Larson is a blacksmith and toolmaker in Western Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for tools, old equipment, and making things, Larson has learned and worked with many different makers around the country.  He specializes in making tools from steel and hickory wood.

"I first saw a blacksmith when I was five years old at a antique museum. I started forging at eleven and since then I have had the amazing opportunity’s to work alongside and learn from some of the best in the world, however I am self taught for the most part."

Visit Andrew's website.

Kentucky Forge Council

The Kentucky Forge Council is a community organization dedicated to preservation of the craft of blacksmithing through hands-on education. The council meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Kentucky Museum. The group and its meetings are open to the public. Find out more on their Facebook page.

Randy Hulsey, Jennings Creek Tin Shoppe

Randy began his apprenticeship under Tinsmith Bill Lawrence "Uncle Billy". He studied with him for three years before establishing his own shop. Randy is a juried member of the Kentucky Craft Market program, He uses 18c forming stake tools while specializing in 18th & 19th Century reproduction tinware and living history demonstrations.

Jonathan began to experiment with his family's foundry and black smiting tools as a teenager. He is the current foundry master at Pioneer Foundry in Caneyville, KY that manufactures Pioneer Wood Burning Stoves. Jonathan also makes his own tools as well as runs a steam powered wood shop and sawmill.

Chris Radus

A Pittsburgh native resides and has his forge in Bowling Green where he makes art out of recycled metal and wood. Radus' metal working roots go back to his grandfather who was a professional blacksmith in the old country (Hungary).

Greg Knight

Greg has had a lifelong interest in Blacksmithing and took that interest to the next level two years ago at the first Kentucky museum Hammer In. Greg enjoys teaching decorative metal and working with the next generation of blacksmiths.

David Marquez and the WKU League of Sculptors

The League of Sculptors is a WKU student organization intent on sharing and supporting sculpture. They are engaged in showing student work and participating in sculpture organizations and conferences on a local, regional and international level.

The organization is led by David Marquez, Assistant Professor of Sculpture at WKU. Marquez holds an Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture and has taught at WKU for over 14 years.