What Is Blacksmith Week?
Join us in Government Camp, Oregon for our annual Blacksmith Week. A time when you get a chance to get up close with iron and forge and discover the traditional and modern techniques from master blacksmiths. Live demonstrations are scheduled Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon (1-day or 3-day tickets are available for Individuals, Students and Families). See Darryl Nelson, the Bushey Brothers, Patrick Maher, Joe Elliott, Evan Scott and Ben Czyhold demonstrate. The event is open to all ages and feature the exceptional craft and knowledge of master blacksmiths. It's a great time! 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.
Demonstrator: Evan Scott
Knob Hill Forge
Evan Scott has been a full-time smith for 30+ years. He owns and operates Knob Hill Forge in Chesaw, WA., a well established traditional forge shop that has been in operation for 50+ years. Evan brings timeless metal artistry to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From custom sculptural ironworks to functional artisan tools, Evan's mastery at the forge has earned him a reputation at the highest level.
Demonstrator: Ben Czyhold
Since 2007 the mission of Artificer Forge is the use of traditional forging and metalworking techniques to make works both functional and ornamental. Most of Ben Czyhold's work is architectural ironwork. This ranges from wall hooks and hinges to stair railings and gates. In addition he also makes sculpture, art pieces, tools for handcrafts, and historical replicas. All work is done by hand from basic shapes of bars, plates and sheets. Ben is a member of the Northwest Blacksmith Association and lives in Kennewick, WA. He will be conducting free "public" demonstrations on-site at the event.
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