What Is Blacksmith Week?
Each year CCAC proudly presents several days of blacksmithing classes, demonstrations, and camaraderie. The demonstration events are open to all ages and feature the exceptional craft and knowledge of master blacksmiths. All are welcome.
Meet the 2026 Demonstrators
Demonstrator: Patrick Maher
Patrick has worked with metal for 30+ years as an artist and blacksmith. He attended the Art Institute of Boston and Cornish in Seattle. In art school, he did everything from painting and drawing, to illustration and ceramics – he enjoyed it all, but it was while visiting a blacksmith shop that he fell in love with the fluidity and solidness of iron.
He apprenticed in different workshops, learning forging and metal fabrication before opening up his own studio, making custom architectural work and public art commissions. His latest endeavor has been Blu Skillet Ironware, a collaboration with his partner – together, they developed a line of cookware that’s both beautiful and functional, while creating a business that is something of an art project.
As part of the business, they open their studio to the public so people can see how everyday items are forged – it’s also a chance to be reminded of how magical the process is. And while Patrick enjoys using traditional blacksmithing techniques to make functional objects, he also finds time to play and create artwork that explores the endless possibilities of metal. You can find images of his work on his sculpture page of their website.
Demonstrators: Aaron and Jesse Bushey
Aaron was exposed to metal work at the age of 10 when visiting his brother. By twelve, he had built his own shop, Ravensong Forge, in their mom’s backyard. At 13 Aaron began his apprenticeship with Vermont smith Lucian Avery. Aaron spent the summers working with Jesse in California and the rest of the year working with Lucian. At 17 Aaron left to work in Europe. Aaron has worked extensively in the Northeast, Northwest, and Europe. When Aaron arrived in California in 2012 he joined the team at Striker Forge. Aaron continued to travel and work around the U.S and Europe. In 2017 Jesse and Aaron created Bushey Ironworks.
Jesse moved to Tahoe in 2001, he sought out the local blacksmith shop, began sweeping the floors and quickly became an apprentice. He spent many years learning the trade, pursuing lessons from smiths across the US, traveling to learn, and living to forge. In 2010, Jesse and Bernie LaForest, his best friend struck out on their own forming Striker Forge. Their work included many significant projects as far afield as Aman, Jordan, and close to home in many of the Tahoe houses utilizing a wide array of ironwork styles.
