List of Blacksmithing Classes in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico is famous for its dramatic landscapes and rich history of traditional arts and crafts.
Santa Fe and other cities are home to thousands of artists and makers who keep New Mexican art traditions alive.
Blacksmithing has a long history in what is now New Mexico. Long before New Mexico became a state, blacksmithing was an important skill passed down through generations.
The Sena family arrived in New Mexico in the 1690s from Mexico City and established a well-respected blacksmithing business in Santa Fe.
One important descendant of the Sena family was Ramon Sena, who in the 1830s shared his skills with the Navajo people.
Through his instruction, the Navajo themselves mastered the art of blacksmithing and used the new skill to craft some of the most beautiful metalwork in American history.
The Sena family forged in New Mexico for over 200 years before their last shop closed in the 1920s.
New Mexico’s blacksmithing tradition lives on in two quality learning opportunities listed below.
- Powerful Dual Burners: Equipped with two high-efficiency burners for rapid heating, providing...
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty steel and insulated with fire-resistant materials...
- Large Forging Space: Spacious work area accommodates larger projects, allowing blacksmiths to work...
1) New Mexico Artist Blacksmith Association
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: meetings, open forge nights, demonstrations
- Price: $30 annually
- Website: https://nmaba.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=631721
- Telephone: (505) 280-2167
- Location: 412 Cabezon Rd. Corrales, NM 87048 (13 miles north of downtown Albuquerque)
The New Mexico Artist Blacksmith Association is a non profit organization of blacksmiths and bladesmiths living and working in New Mexico. The Association is an affiliate of the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America.
Members of the New Mexico Artist Blacksmith Association attend meetings on the first Saturday of every other month. These meetings include forging technique demonstrations and open forge time. Meetings are a great way to meet other smiths in your area, learn new skills, and practice what you learn.
With such an affordable annual membership fee, the Association is truly open for everyone interested in blacksmithing or bladesmithing.
2) University of New Mexico Continuing Education
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, half day, weekends
- Price: $139
- Website: https://continuinged.unm.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1013767
- Telephone: (505) 277-0077
- Location: 973 Old Church Rd. Corrales, NM 87048 (13 miles north of downtown Albuquerque)
The University of New Mexico’s Continuing Education department has been offering life long learning opportunities for over 90 years. It includes a blacksmithing program for adults.
Classes are taught by former vice president of the New Mexico Artist Blacksmith Association, Dave Sabo. His classes cover traditional blacksmithing and are suitable for beginners. Students craft their own kitchen hooks during class time.
Blacksmithing classes take place in a historically accurate blacksmithing shop in Casa San Ysidro. This is the perfect setting to learn blacksmithing and appreciate its influence on New Mexico’s history.