Workshops in Blacksmithing and Rural Crafts In the Mountains of Northwest Montana
The curriculum and technology of the New Agrarian School is thoroughly steeped in history and tradition.
However, don’t expect an indulgence in nostalgia. The tooling, the attitude, and the imagination is very much in the present, and looking into the future.
The design and hand skills involved emphasize self-reliance, which is never outdated. Fusing imagination with a practice rooted in very tangible skills, we endeavor to fuel individual creativity with heart, mind, and hand. We believe deeply that human beings are inherently makers, and that the practice of making enhances our lives both as individuals and members of a larger community.
Founded with an emphasis on the fundamental role of Blacksmithing
within the broader realm of traditional rural crafts. We are dedicated to fostering development of contemporary forged metalworking while both reaching into history and creating a more sustainable future. The school offers a wide variety of workshops from one to three weeks in length, along with studio assistantships, weekend classes, and flexible residencies. Our object is to offer dynamic educational opportunities for people of all skill levels — from beginner to journeyman. Class content and schedules are designed to provide a comprehensive curriculum for both avocational excellence and professional development.
The rural school setting is on ten acres in the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana
surrounded by pristine lakes and rivers, at the foot of the Swan range of the Rocky Mountains. Flathead Lake is only minutes away, and it’s a short drive to Glacier National Park. All classes will be held in the well-equipped working studio of Jeffrey Funk. The school offers reasonably priced accommodations in simple, rustic cabins, with a central bathing and toilet facility. Motel and other options are also available in the area. There is a fine outdoor kitchen facility available to students, and the numerous local café’s and restaurants provide a variety of dining options.
