12/23/2025
As this year winds down, I’ve been taking a moment to reflect on how much has unfolded for The Dustworks in 2025. I’m deeply grateful for the people, institutions, and communities that made this year feel both grounding and expansive.
This year unfolded through a series of milestones, learning moments, and affirmations:
Best in Show, Staunton Art in the Park
Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths Tool Grant
First retreat at Touchstone Center for Crafts with SPARC
Secured my first solo gallery exhibition opening in 2027 at New City Arts Welcome Gallery
Took my first class at the Center for Metal Arts
Thick as Thieves collaboration with Studiolo Artale
American Craft Council Tools & Equipment Micro Grant
CERF+ Get Ready Grant
This season marked a meaningful shift—from commerce-driven to community-grounded. Finding my place within a broader craft community has brought new context, inspiration, and a deeper sense of purpose to the work.
A sneak peek at 2026:
January alone will be a full and focused start to the year, setting the tone for what’s ahead:
Distinguished Fellowship Winter Residency at Penland School of Craft — January
Winter Residency at the Center for Metal Arts — January,
Beyond January, the year continues with:
American Craft Made Show — February
Demonstration at Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival — April
Pentaculum Retreat Residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts— May
Joining the Erria Craft Platform
Teaching my first class at Penland School of Craft — August
I’m especially excited to step more fully into the craft community, to share space with peers I deeply admire, and to continue refining the core forms and processes that shape my work.
Somewhere in there I’ll be building out and moving into my new studio which will be twice as large as my current shed and half as far from my back door.
Thank you for following along, supporting the work, and believing in handmade tools that are meant to be used, lived with, and passed along. I’m looking forward to what the next year brings and grateful to have you here for it.
