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• 'AHA HANA LIMA 2025-26 Scholarship Application

  • Start
    01 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    14 Mar 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Hawai'i Craftsmen Scholarship Application
  • Spaces left
    27

  Register

  'AHA HANA LIMA 2025-26 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
  

  Hawai‘i Craftsmen offers full or half scholarships to cover workshop registration fees. Applicants must be current members of Hawai‘i Craftsmen (HC), Moloka‘i Arts Center (MAC), or Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center (HUI), though you may also join HC when applying for a scholarship. To register, sign up for the workshop, but do not select “Pay Now.” You will receive an invoice—please wait to hear whether you’ve been awarded a scholarship before submitting payment. If you receive a scholarship, your invoice will be adjusted accordingly. MAC or HUI members should contact the program chair for a code that allows registration at the member rate.

  Deadline for the Molokai application: Monday, November 3, 2025

  Notification of the Molokai scholarship awardee will be announced on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

  Deadline for the O'ahu application: Monday, January 5, 2026

  Notification of O'ahu scholarship awardee will be announced on Friday, January 7, 2026.

  Deadline for the Maui application: Friday, February 6, 2026

  Notification of the Maui scholarship awardee will be announced on Monday, February 9, 2026.

  Notifications will go out two to five days after the submission deadline but before the workshop start date. Notifications will go out by email. The scholarship winner is still responsible for paying the materials/supply fee ($35) on the first day of the workshop.

  The application can be filled out after hitting the "register" button (don't worry, you are not registered for anything - that's the only button we have to use). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  What you will need to answer:

  • What is your main craft material - if more than one, please list them
  • How long have you been working with this material?

  • What do you hope to gain from this workshop?
  • What are your current goals in art?
  • A short artist biography
  • links to any social media handles that show your artwork (optional)

  This scholarship is underwritten by the Hawai’i Craftsmen Endowment Fund, and was started with funds donated by Frances Pickens, one of Hawaii Craftsmen's founding members and an award-winning metal artist.

  Email Hawai'i Craftsmen if you have any questions.

  Show details
• 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 Molokai Lecture

  • When
    21 Nov 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Molokai Art Center, 1630 Farrington Ave, Kualapuu

  Register

  JOIN US FOR GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN'S LECTURE ON METAL FORGING

  Lisa Geertsen will present a slide presentation and lecture about her creative perspective on metal crafts. This lecture is free and open to the public. Her following 2-day workshop, called Small-Scale Non-Ferrous Foraging: Form and Function, begins on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

  For more information, visit our 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 page. 

  
  

  
  

  LOCATION

  Friday, November 21, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

  Molokai Art Center, 1630 Farrington Ave, Kualapuu

  FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

  REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE LECTURE

  
  

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  

  Lisa Geertsen is an artist blacksmith from Seattle, WA, and the owner of Firelight Forge, which she has operated since 2007, creating custom architectural and sculptural work. She is currently an Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington.

  She earned her BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and her MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). 

  Lisa has taught nationally at Penland, Haystack, and John C. Campbell Folk School, and has demonstrated for groups including Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival and the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association. 

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her largest solo exhibition in Olympia, WA (2018), featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. Through her teaching, exhibitions, and community-building, Geertsen is committed to broadening representation and diversity within the blacksmithing field.

  
  

  To learn more about Lisa Geertsen visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

  Show details
• 'AHA HANA LIMA 2025 (Molokai) Small Scale Non-Ferrous Forging: Form & Function Workshop

  • Start
    22 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    23 Nov 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Private Residence, Kualapuu, HI
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Last day to register is November 12, 2025

  JOIN US FOR 'AHA HANA LIMA 2025 ON MOLOKAI FEATURING GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN

  

  This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the fundamentals of forging and metalsmithing with copper, transforming raw metal into functional and beautiful objects. Students will learn core techniques—tapering, spreading, dishing, twisting, sawing, filing, and finishing—while crafting their own forks, spoons, table knives, cuff bracelets, or hairpins. Along the way, you’ll discover how heat and hammering bring copper to life in both form and function. If time allows, we’ll celebrate our work by sharing a meal using the handmade tableware created in class. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to swing a hammer. 

  We encourage you to attend the artist lecture on Friday, November 21, to learn more about Lisa's work and meet other artists taking the workshop.

  SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

  • Shaping copper through tapering, spreading, and dishing
  • Adding dimension with twisting and forming
  • Precision techniques in sawing and filing
  • Surface finishing for both beauty and function
  • Designing and creating functional items such as utensils, jewelry, and hair accessories

  MOLOKAI WORKSHOP DETAILS

  Hawai'i Craftsmen brings you this workshop in partnership with:

  Workshop held at a Private Residence, Kualapuu, details provided after registration

  Workshop Dates

  Saturday, November 22 & Sunday, November 23
  9 AM - 5 PM

  Material fee:

  $35 (paid to Hawaii Craftsmen on the first day)

  TUITION COSTS

  • Hawai'i Craftsmen & Molokai Art Center* Member $300
  • Hawai'i Craftsmen Student Member: $150
  • Non-Members: $400

  *Molokai Art Center members will need to use a promo code during registration to access the Hawai'i Craftsmen Membership rate. Please contact your organization's administrative assistant if you have not received it yet.

  SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

  All Molokai scholarship applications are due by Wednesday, November 12. To apply for the scholarship, please click here.

  Hawai‘i Craftsmen offers full or half scholarships to cover workshop registration fees. Applicants must be current members of Hawai‘i Craftsmen (HC) or Moloka‘i Arts Center (MAC); you may join HC when applying for a scholarship. To register, sign up for the workshop, but do not select “Pay Now.” MAC or HUI members should contact the program chair for a code that allows registration at the member rate. You will receive an invoice—please wait to hear whether you’ve been awarded a scholarship before submitting payment. If you receive a scholarship, your invoice will be adjusted accordingly. 

  Notifications will go out two to five days after the submission deadline but before the workshop start date. Notifications will go out by email. The scholarship winner is still responsible for paying the materials/supply fee ($35) on the first day of the workshop.

  The application can be filled out after hitting the "register" button (don't worry, you are not registered for anything - that's the only button we have to use). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  What you will need to answer:

  • What is your main craft material - if more than one, please list them
  • How long have you been working with this material?

  • What do you hope to gain from this workshop?
  • What are your current goals in art?
  • A short artist biography
  • links to any social media handles that show your artwork (optional)

  This scholarship is underwritten by the Hawai’i Craftsmen Endowment Fund, and was started with funds donated by Frances Pickens, one of Hawaii Craftsmen's founding members and an award-winning metal artist.

   Scholarship winners are responsible for covering the lab fee ($35) due to the instructor on the first day of the workshop.

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass. On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently. Day two will focus on the bowl. By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process. Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle. Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience. Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course.

   

  

  Lisa Geertsen is a Seattle-based artist blacksmith and owner of Firelight Forge, creating custom architectural and sculptural work since 2007. She is currently Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington and previously managed the Metal and Stone Sculpture Studios at Pratt Fine Arts Center (2013–2020).

  She holds a BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and an MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). A teacher and demonstrator nationwide, she has shared her expertise at Penland, Haystack, John C. Campbell Folk School, and through blacksmithing festivals and virtual programs.

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her 2018 solo show in Olympia, WA, featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. A founding member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, Geertsen is dedicated to expanding representation and diversity in the field. 

  To learn more about Lisa, visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

  Show details
• 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 Oahu Lecture

  • When
    23 Jan 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    University of Hawaii Manoa, Art Department, 2535 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu

  Register

  JOIN US FOR GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN'S LECTURE ON METAL FORGING

  Lisa Geertsen will present a slide presentation and lecture about her creative perspective on metal crafts. This lecture is free and open to the public. Her following 2-day workshop, called Small-Scale Non-Ferrous Foraging: Form and Function, begins on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

  For more information, visit our 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 page. 

  
  

  
  

  LOCATION

  Friday, January 23, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

  University of Hawaii Manoa, Art Department, 2535 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, Art Auditorium or Metals Studio

  FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

  REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE LECTURE

  
  

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  

  Lisa Geertsen is an artist blacksmith from Seattle, WA, and the owner of Firelight Forge, which she has operated since 2007, creating custom architectural and sculptural work. She is currently an Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington.

  She earned her BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and her MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). 

  Lisa has taught nationally at Penland, Haystack, and John C. Campbell Folk School, and has demonstrated for groups including Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival and the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association. 

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her largest solo exhibition in Olympia, WA (2018), featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. Through her teaching, exhibitions, and community-building, Geertsen is committed to broadening representation and diversity within the blacksmithing field.

  
  

  To learn more about Lisa Geertsen visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

  Show details
• 'AHA HANA LIMA 2026 (Oahu) Small Scale Non-Ferrous Forging: Form & Function Workshop

  • Start
    24 Jan 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    25 Jan 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    University of Hawaii Manoa, Art Department, Metals Studio
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Last day to register is Wednesday, Jan. 7

  JOIN US FOR 'AHA HANA LIMA 2026 ON OAHU FEATURING GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN

  

  This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the fundamentals of forging and metalsmithing with copper, transforming raw metal into functional and beautiful objects. Students will learn core techniques—tapering, spreading, dishing, twisting, sawing, filing, and finishing—while crafting their own forks, spoons, table knives, cuff bracelets, or hairpins. Along the way, you’ll discover how heat and hammering bring copper to life in both form and function. If time allows, we’ll celebrate our work by sharing a meal using the handmade tableware created in class. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to swing a hammer. 

  We encourage you to attend the artist lecture on Friday, January 23, to learn more about Lisa's work and meet other artists taking the workshop.

  SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

  • Shaping copper through tapering, spreading, and dishing
  • Adding dimension with twisting and forming
  • Precision techniques in sawing and filing
  • Surface finishing for both beauty and function
  • Designing and creating functional items such as utensils, jewelry, and hair accessories

  OAHU WORKSHOP DETAILS

  Hawai'i Craftsmen brings you this workshop in partnership with:

  University of Hawaii Manoa, Art Department

  2535 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu

  Workshop Dates

  Saturday, November 24 & Sunday, November 25
  9 AM - 5 PM

  Material fee:

  $35 (paid to Hawaii Craftsmen on the first day)

  TUITION COSTS

  • Hawai'i Craftsmen Member $300
  • Hawai'i Craftsmen Student Member: $150
  • Non-Members: $400

  SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

  

  Hawai’i Craftsmen will provide full or half scholarships to cover the cost of the registration fee.

  Deadline for the O'ahu application: Monday, January 5, 2026

  To apply please click here.

  Craftsmen offers full or half scholarships to cover workshop registration fees. Applicants must be current members of Hawai‘i Craftsmen (HC) or Moloka‘i Arts Center (MAC); you may join HC when applying for a scholarship. To register, sign up for the workshop, but do not select “Pay Now.” MAC or HUI members should contact the program chair for a code that allows registration at the member rate. You will receive an invoice—please wait to hear whether you’ve been awarded a scholarship before submitting payment. If you receive a scholarship, your invoice will be adjusted accordingly. 

  Notifications will go out two to five days after the submission deadline but before the workshop start date. Notifications will go out by email. The scholarship winner is still responsible for paying the materials/supply fee ($35) on the first day of the workshop.

  The application can be filled out after hitting the "register" button (don't worry, you are not registered for anything - that's the only button we have to use). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  What you will need to answer:

  • What is your main craft material - if more than one, please list them
  • How long have you been working with this material?

  • What do you hope to gain from this workshop?
  • What are your current goals in art?
  • A short artist biography
  • links to any social media handles that show your artwork (optional)

  This scholarship is underwritten by the Hawai’i Craftsmen Endowment Fund, and was started with funds donated by Frances Pickens, one of Hawaii Craftsmen's founding members and an award-winning metal artist.

   Scholarship winners are responsible for covering the lab fee ($35) due to the instructor on the first day of the workshop.

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass. On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently. Day two will focus on the bowl. By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process. Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle. Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience. Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course.

   

  

  Lisa Geertsen is a Seattle-based artist blacksmith and owner of Firelight Forge, creating custom architectural and sculptural work since 2007. She is currently Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington and previously managed the Metal and Stone Sculpture Studios at Pratt Fine Arts Center (2013–2020).

  She holds a BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and an MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). A teacher and demonstrator nationwide, she has shared her expertise at Penland, Haystack, John C. Campbell Folk School, and through blacksmithing festivals and virtual programs.

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her 2018 solo show in Olympia, WA, featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. A founding member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, Geertsen is dedicated to expanding representation and diversity in the field. 

  To learn more about Lisa, visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

  Show details
• 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 Maui Lecture

  • When
    06 Mar 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, 2841 Baldwin Road, Makawao

  Register

  JOIN US FOR GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN'S LECTURE ON METAL FORGING

  Lisa Geertsen will present a slide presentation and lecture about her creative perspective on metal crafts. This lecture is free and open to the public. Her following 2-day workshop, called Small-Scale Non-Ferrous Foraging: Form and Function, begins on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

  For more information, visit our 'Aha Hana Lima 2025 & 2026 page. 

  
  

  
  

  LOCATION

  Friday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

  Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, 2841 Baldwin Road, Makawao

  Hui Solarium

  FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

  REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE LECTURE

  
  

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  

  Lisa Geertsen is an artist blacksmith from Seattle, WA, and the owner of Firelight Forge, which she has operated since 2007, creating custom architectural and sculptural work. She is currently an Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington.

  She earned her BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and her MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). 

  Lisa has taught nationally at Penland, Haystack, and John C. Campbell Folk School, and has demonstrated for groups including Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival and the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association. 

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her largest solo exhibition in Olympia, WA (2018), featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. Through her teaching, exhibitions, and community-building, Geertsen is committed to broadening representation and diversity within the blacksmithing field.

  
  

  To learn more about Lisa Geertsen visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

  Show details
• 'AHA HANA LIMA 2026 (Maui) Small Scale Non-Ferrous Forging: Form & Function Workshop

  • Start
    07 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    08 Mar 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center - 2841 Baldwin Ave, Jewelry Studio
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  Last day to register is February 18, 2026

  JOIN US FOR 'AHA HANA LIMA 2026 ON MAUI FEATURING GUEST ARTIST LISA GEERTSEN

  

  This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the fundamentals of forging and metalsmithing with copper, transforming raw metal into functional and beautiful objects. Students will learn core techniques—tapering, spreading, dishing, twisting, sawing, filing, and finishing—while crafting their own forks, spoons, table knives, cuff bracelets, or hairpins. Along the way, you’ll discover how heat and hammering bring copper to life in both form and function. If time allows, we’ll celebrate our work by sharing a meal using the handmade tableware created in class. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to swing a hammer. 

  We encourage you to attend the artist lecture on Friday, March 6, to learn more about Lisa's work and meet other artists taking the workshop.

  SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

  • Shaping copper through tapering, spreading, and dishing
  • Adding dimension with twisting and forming
  • Precision techniques in sawing and filing
  • Surface finishing for both beauty and function
  • Designing and creating functional items such as utensils, jewelry, and hair accessories

  MOLOKAI WORKSHOP DETAILS

  Hawai'i Craftsmen brings you this workshop in partnership with:

  Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center

  2841 Baldwin Ave, Makawao

  Jewelry Studio

  Workshop Dates

  Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8
  9 AM - 5 PM

  Materials fee:

  $35 (paid to Hawaii Craftsmen on the first day)

  TUITION COSTS

  • Hawai'i Craftsmen & Hui Noeau* Member $300
  • Hawai'i Craftsmen Student Member: $150
  • Non-Members: $400

  *Hui Noeau members will need to use a promo code during registration to access the Hawai'i Craftsmen Membership rate. Please contact your organization's administrative assistant if you have not received it yet.

  SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

  

  Hawai’i Craftsmen will provide full or half scholarships to cover the cost of the registration fee. The applicant must be a current Hawai’i Craftsmen member. You may become a member when you are applying for the scholarship.

  Deadline for the Maui application: Friday, February 6, 2026

  Notification of the Maui scholarship awardee will be announced on Monday, February 9, 2026.

  To apply please click here.

  Hawaii Craftsmen offers full or half scholarships to cover workshop registration fees. Applicants must be current members of Hawai‘i Craftsmen (HC) or Moloka‘i Arts Center (MAC); you may join HC when applying for a scholarship. To register, sign up for the workshop, but do not select “Pay Now.” MAC or HUI members should contact the program chair for a code that allows registration at the member rate. You will receive an invoice—please wait to hear whether you’ve been awarded a scholarship before submitting payment. If you receive a scholarship, your invoice will be adjusted accordingly. 

  Notifications will go out two to five days after the submission deadline but before the workshop start date. Notifications will go out by email. The scholarship winner is still responsible for paying the materials/supply fee ($35) on the first day of the workshop.

  The application can be filled out after hitting the "register" button (don't worry, you are not registered for anything - that's the only button we have to use). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  What you will need to answer:

  • What is your main craft material - if more than one, please list them
  • How long have you been working with this material?

  • What do you hope to gain from this workshop?
  • What are your current goals in art?
  • A short artist biography
  • links to any social media handles that show your artwork (optional)

   Scholarship winners are responsible for covering the lab fee ($35) due to the instructor on the first day of the workshop.

  This scholarship is underwritten by the Hawai’i Craftsmen Endowment Fund, and was started with funds donated by Frances Pickens, one of Hawaii Craftsmen's founding members and an award-winning metal artist.

  ABOUT LISA GEERTSEN

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass.   On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently.  Day two will focus on the bowl.  By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process.  Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle.   Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience.  Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course. 

  This three-day intensive will methodically piece together the steps necessary to make tumblers, bowls and bottles in clear glass. On day one, we will revisit the tumbler, focusing on thinness, puntys, and working efficiently. Day two will focus on the bowl. By simplifying the process, students will learn to make a variety of bowl forms while gaining confidence in the blowing process. Day three will explore the particular heating and shaping skills needed to form the bottle. Instruction will be personalized and detailed to your level of experience. Working efficiently, creating thinner pieces and building confidence will be the goals of the course.

   

  

  Lisa Geertsen is a Seattle-based artist blacksmith and owner of Firelight Forge, creating custom architectural and sculptural work since 2007. She is currently Instructional Technician in Sculpture at the University of Washington and previously managed the Metal and Stone Sculpture Studios at Pratt Fine Arts Center (2013–2020).

  She holds a BFA in Sculpture from West Virginia University (1997) and an MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University (2023). A teacher and demonstrator nationwide, she has shared her expertise at Penland, Haystack, John C. Campbell Folk School, and through blacksmithing festivals and virtual programs.

  Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, including her 2018 solo show in Olympia, WA, featuring 48 pieces from her Hearts series. A founding member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, Geertsen is dedicated to expanding representation and diversity in the field. 

  To learn more about Lisa, visit her website: www.firelightforge.com

  
  

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