Clay and Steel is one studio in this building full of artists

Read on to find out more about how we run our classes here

The Classroom

Tools present

  • Anvils. Two or three “proper” anvils and 3 or 4 “teaching” anvils are used for our classes. Beginners are usually shown to a “teaching” anvil that is less imposing and easier to maneuver around (the “proper” anvils are absolute units)

  • Propane Forge, Coal Forge. Propane forges are generally used for classes due to their efficiency. Some projects demand a coal forge, and your instructor will know when or if you should switch.

  • Hammers. Clay and Steel has PLENTY of hammers to use. All sizes. It’s not the size that matters, it’s the way you use it. Most smiths eventually settle on a 2 to 3 pound cross pein hammer for long work days

  • Presses and Power Hammers. These beefy machines are seldom used in “Intro” classes, but you will may get a chance to see it in action if you progress as a blacksmith, attend an event, or become a Member*.

Hazards present

  • Fumes and propane combustion products will be present in the air.

  • One shop cat who insists on being present during class. Four or five stray cats outside. We have treats to distribute if you’re inclined.

  • Sharp metal scraps, metal dust, metal shavings. The shop is regularly cleaned but it is a working shop. Masks are encouraged and provided during class if requested.

  • Sound levels are high, 100+ decibels at times. Hearing protection is required and provided to all students. We sometimes play music too. Check out the playlist.

Shop Amenities

Parking

  • Street parking is free all up and down the block, please do not park in another business’ parking lot however.

  • There are unhoused people nearby but they are seldom seen, nevertheless prepare by leaving your valuables at home or bring them into the shop.

Food and Drink

All day classes have a break for lunch, 4 hour classes have a short snack break. There are not too many good options for food nearby but here’s what’s available.

  • There are on-site vending machines that take card. Technology!

  • Our neighborhood wine bar, Windchaser Wines serves food and drinks weekends after 1pm. Food trucks come by there quite often as well for weekend events at the bar.

  • Halal King on Carlson is quite tasty and close enough for a bike or car. They serve fried chicken, burritos and pupusas next door at the market as well.

  • Golden Gate Bistro is somewhat nearby though it’s a good idea to call ahead for that one.

  • Food app orders arrive late due to how far we are from most popular order spots but you are totally allowed to just hang out outside and eat, it’s not pre-school here.

Touristy Attractions

Many students are from out of town. A local blacksmith’s favorite tourist attractions:

  • The SF Bay Trail is just off South 51st Street and is absolutely gorgeous for a pre/post class nature walk. Motorized scooters and bicycles are now allowed here too for commuters.

  • The Rosie the Riveter Museum is nearby. This part of Richmond used to be big on war ship construction with heavy steel parts and forging happening.

  • The Albany Bulb. Someone had the idea to fill up the bay with more land way back when. Thankfully for our sanity and shorebirds this stopped. The “Bulb” is now a popular nature trail with lots of guerilla artworks. Celeste has a piece there!

  • The Berkeley Hills. Once you’ve got your belly full from Cheeseboard, head up to Tilden Park or The Regional Parks Botanic Garden for delicious views and the California woodlands that make our state remarkable.

  • Muir Woods! My husband and I take the Panoramic Highway to Mountain Home Inn’s area and park. Parking is tough but doable, a local bus line (Marin Transit #61 towards Bolinas) or rideshare app is a surer bet. Hiking down Alice Eastwood Rd winds you up in the same Muir Woods trail system that thousands of tourists crowd into with tons of permits and fees. It’s a gentle but consistent paved grade excellent for non-seasoned hikers.

  • San Francisco is there too if you like that kind of stuff.

Public Transit to the Shop

  • The AC Transit line 71 runs all day. Exit Bayview and walk over the freeway bridge towards the blue octopus building.

  • BART, our commuter rail system is about a 30 minute walk, or 10 minutes by bike/e-moto

  • AC Transit line 675 runs on weekdays for school service

Hobart loves you

 

Clay and Steel

4925 Seaport Ave.
Richmond, CA

Email or fill out this form if you have more questions about your upcoming class!