Way Too Cool Arts and Science Institute is teaching the Metal Working Program in a fast track, hands-on, apprenticeship-like curriculum.

Openings: 20 students
Duration: 4 Semesters
Requirements: English verbal skills, basic math skills, writing skills
Skills Taught:

• accurate use of measurements tools
• tool safety, uses, and care
• metal cutting and bending
• welding
• casting bronze
• grinding
• painting
• patinas

Semester 1
The Metal Working Shop Master will concentrate on teaching the safe and accurate uses of torches, welders, benders, metal brakes, grinders, sandblasters, saws, and spray paint booths during the first semester. Students will then be shown the numerous sources for obtaining different salvaged metals. Copper wire shorts, copper pipe and tubing cut-offs, steel and aluminum from the junk yards, and found items such as an old tractors and automobiles rotting away in some field are all but a few of the metals Way Too Cool uses in creating art.

Next, students will begin the cleaning process, taking off rust, paints, and oils before putting torches, welders, or furnaces to the metal. As mastery becomes evident, we will have the students design their first piece of art. The idea is to use the newly acquired skills in unison.

Semester 2
The second semester begins with constructing items to specifications. Our students will learn to read plans, measure cut materials, clamp, weld, grind, and paint for special orders. This will become essential to the successful graduate who chooses to take on orders for replications of a design.

Semester 3
The operation of the bronze furnace is taught in the third semester. This involves mold making, casting, sand casting, clean up, polishing, and patina (chemical treatment of the bronze to create colorations). We will also teach the art of blacksmithing. This is working in a coal or charcoal fired pit, and working the metal while its red hot. This method extends to hand made hardware and blade creations.

Semester 4
Successful forth semester students will be ready to return to the “art” end of metals. Emphasis will be on design and unique material uses and sources. The various visiting metal artists will show new finishes, recycling ideas, designs and material uses, sparking the creative fire in the budding artists.