About the Institute
About the Institute
The Institute was founded with the idea in mind of offering short term, affordable classes to people who are interested in an introduction to the craft without having to invest in the tools an space necessary to pursue their interest.
There are other schools available, but many require short term residency on campus and time away from lives and jobs during the week. VIB offers weekend workshops to any who wish to travel to Waynesboro in the short term and week night classes to local patrons or those within an hour drive.
In addition, VIB allows any student that has taken the beginners class or can demonstrate a working knowledge of the tools and techniques of blacksmithing to come in on Tuesday evenings between the hours of 3pm to 6pm to work independently on projects of their choosing. Call by Noon on the Monday beforehand to reserve your forge.
VIB has a capacity of eight students at any given time and has an assortment of modern and antique equipment offering a wide array of opportunity to students wishing to undertake the study of metalwork. In addition to the regular instructors, VIB will have visiting instructors on a semi regular basis that offer specialized courses. Check the class schedule to find out what the upcoming special classes will be.
Also, classes are now available through the Piedmont Virginia Community College. A current catalog and registration are available at www.pvcc.edu/workforceservices.
Affiliated associations:
Old Dominion Blacksmith Association
www.olddominionblacksmith.com
Shenandoah Valley Blacksmiths Guild
from the instructor's portfolio
