Industrial Arts Mentorship for All (IAMA), a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industrial arts, is proud to announce its upcoming QT BIPOC Blacksmithing Workshop for Adults, taking place on Saturday, December 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Minneapolis. This special program invites participants to explore the power of craft, community, and creativity through the hands-on practice of blacksmithing.
Led by lead instructor Dani Sanchez, the three-hour, project-based workshop will introduce participants to the essential tools, techniques, and processes of blacksmithing while guiding them through the creation of a small hand-forged project. Participants will gain an introduction to forming techniques, heating and shaping metal, and the artistry behind transforming raw materials into functional, expressive works.
This class is specifically designed for QT BIPOC adults ages 18 and older—queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color—who are interested in learning a new skill in an affirming and inclusive environment. It provides a welcoming space for individuals to connect, create, and build community through the shared experience of working with fire, metal, and imagination. The class is open to all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with prior experience who wish to expand their creative practice.
Registration for the workshop is offered on a sliding scale of $65, $85, or $125, allowing participants to choose a price point that reflects their financial comfort. This model ensures equitable access to quality industrial arts education and supports IAMA’s mission to make creative learning opportunities accessible to all members of the community.
Participants are asked to wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and natural fiber clothing, and to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. All safety equipment, tools, and materials will be provided. IAMA’s workshops emphasize safety, respect, and curiosity, empowering students to learn at their own pace in a supportive studio environment that honors both the craft and the cultural richness of the participants.
The QT BIPOC Blacksmithing Workshop for Adults is part of IAMA’s broader initiative to expand access to industrial arts education for historically underrepresented communities. By offering inclusive programming led by diverse instructors, the organization continues to reshape who belongs in the trades and creative industries—building spaces where all identities are seen, respected, and celebrated.
Instructor Dani Sanchez brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to inclusive pedagogy to their teaching. Their approach blends hands-on skill-building with an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and empowerment. Participants in the December workshop can expect a balance of instruction and exploration, learning not only the fundamentals of blacksmithing but also the importance of creative expression as a means of connection and personal growth.
Industrial Arts Mentorship for All has earned recognition throughout Minnesota for its efforts to make the trades more inclusive and equitable. The organization offers workshops, mentorship programs, and training initiatives that create pathways into blacksmithing, welding, metal fabrication, and other industrial arts. These programs are designed to foster both individual skill development and collective empowerment through education, artistry, and collaboration.
Through its QT BIPOC-centered programming, IAMA provides a vital space where participants can safely explore identity and craft without judgment or exclusion. The December workshop serves as an example of how the industrial arts can be a medium for both creative transformation and community healing. By inviting queer and trans BIPOC adults to learn together, the event promotes belonging, representation, and visibility within a field that has long lacked diversity.
Every IAMA workshop is more than a class—it is an experience of discovery, connection, and artistry. Participants leave not only with a hand-forged object but with a deeper understanding of themselves, their creative potential, and the shared power of collective learning. The QT BIPOC Blacksmithing Workshop for Adults embodies the organization’s belief that creativity is a universal human right and that the forge can serve as a place of both skill-building and social connection.
This December gathering continues IAMA’s tradition of offering accessible, inclusive, and transformative education in the trades. As the organization continues to grow, it remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for marginalized voices in the industrial arts—helping to forge a more equitable future, one workshop at a time.
Event Details:
Event: QT BIPOC Blacksmithing Workshop for Adults
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dani Sanchez
Location: 4430 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sliding Scale Registration: $65 / $85 / $125
Ages: 18+
All Skill Levels Welcome
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For more information about Industrial Arts Mentorship for All (IAMA), contact the company here:
Industrial Arts Mentorship for All (IAMA)
Carla Hall
(510) 847-1735
carla@iamayouth.org
Industrial Arts Mentorship for All
4430 N Lyndale Ave,
Minneapolis, MN 55412