Blacksmith at the Forge

	Richard Schaeffer
	Richard Schaeffer, a retired mechanical engineer began blacksmithing in 1999 after enrolling in a basic blacksmithing course taught by SOFA (Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil). He attends a different event or course each year to further hone his skills. At the Artisan Center, Dick demonstrates his skills and teaches workshops.
	Tom Cole
	Tom Cole began his smithing hobby twelve years ago in his father’s workshop in Chardon, Ohio (Cleveland). For him, blacksmithing is a family tradition that has evolved into an artistic pursuit. In 1997 he studied at the John Campbell Folk School under Elmer Roush. In 2005 he finally completed his own workshop in Bethel, Ohio, where he currently resides with his wife and two smithing apprentices, ages 3 months and 3-1/2 years. He says, “The ability to heat-up an otherwise one-dimensional bar of steel and forge it into a functional piece fascinates me. A forged steel object can bring beauty to a person’s home, garden, and life.”

Blacksmith - Hand Wrought Iron