We are excited to introduce James Connor, our head blacksmith who brings a unique blend of practical experience and artistic vision to the classroom. Born in the shadow of the steel mills in Northern Indiana, James now resides in the picturesque Southern Indiana Hills of Brown County. Unlike many artists who attend expensive art schools, James' journey into the world of art came from years of hands-on work as a structural ironworker. He traveled across the United States, contributing to the construction of bridges, skyscrapers, and airplane hangers, where he discovered that the massive structures he created were, in many ways, works of art themselves.
James believes that his past work in steel and construction is no different than the large-scale sculptures he's crafted for the town of Nashville, the Traditional Arts of Indiana Museum, various Indiana businesses, and private collectors. His art, often inspired by the beauty of Indiana’s natural landscapes, predominantly uses native materials like minerals, stone, steel, and recycled items. We look forward to James sharing his passion for both the technical and creative aspects of art with his students.
