Liberty Arts

This class offers a comprehensive introduction to metal sculpture fabrication, guiding students through the process of creating a hollow-formed metal hat based on a real cloth hat pattern. All materials provided. The curriculum covers:

• Templating and Prototyping: Students will learn to develop accurate templates from cloth hats, facilitating precise metal replication.
• Cutting and Forming: Instruction on using plasma cutters to shape metal components and techniques for forming these pieces to match the hat's contours.
• MIG Welding Thin-Gauge Metal: Training on MIG welding practices tailored for thin-gauge metals, ensuring strong and clean joints.
• Finishing Techniques: Guidance on using grinders, files, and paint to achieve desired surface finishes and aesthetics.

This class does not require any prior experience with welding or metal fabrication but does require the ability to work around high temperatures, loud noises, sharp edges, and power tools. Protective gloves, face shields, and ear plugs will be provided; students should arrive wearing non-synthetic long sleeve clothing (welding arcs can rapidly sunburn exposed skin, and molten spatter easily melts through synthetic fabrics). Closed toe shoes are required to enter the welding studio. In the interest of safety, the instructor reserves the option to deny students from participating in some class activities in the event they are not wearing appropriate clothing.