Handwork Week 2026 | Special Event, Metal Fabrication
Handwork in the Foundry: Cast Bronze Bell
Work with master bronze sculptor Jeff Oens and his team to cast your own bell.
Member$645.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$710.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Cancellation, Tuition Assistance, and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Mon, 4/27/2026 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Tue, 4/28/2026 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Wed, 4/29/2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Thur, 4/30/2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fri, 5/1/2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mon, 4/27/2026 - Fri, 5/1/2026
Registration does not include lunches or the May 1 Celebration Dinner. Purchase lunch tickets or purchase Celebration Dinner tickets.
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
Handwork Week at BARN
Join us for an extraordinary exploration of American craft as BARN participates in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national initiative led by PBS's Craft in America and the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery.
About This Workshop
After the bronze casting cools enough to handle, you’ll breakout the three castings from their molds. What’s revealed as the sand breaks away is how the metal flowed through the sprues and gates, into the mold itself, and then through the vents that passed the hot gasses that were then, too, filled with bronze.
In the third and fourth days, you’ll learn when to strategically remove specific gates and sprues. The team will show you how to finish the casting by grinding, texturing, and polishing the castings to a desired finish. A media-blast cabinet may be used to get the desired texture. It’s also possible some blemishes will need to be filled using a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder. Don’t worry, our team will guide you through every step.
All three castings will require some machining. You'll use specialty built jigs to securely hold your parts so that holes can be located, drilled, and chamfered with the precision your creation deserves.
Finally, you’ll learn how to apply the patina of your choice to achieve a finished look that appeals to you. The fifth day will be for any additional time you need to finish your project. The foundry team wants to be sure the best thing about this class is that you’ll head home with a lovely bell you can mount most anywhere, indoors or out.
Details
Note the casting foundry sessions take place at BARN’s foundry, which is off site at 9392 Wardwell Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island. The casting finishing sessions take place at BARN in Metal-Fabrication’s welding shop.Materials
Class Policies
- Wear natural-fiber clothing, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes (natural fiber or leather).
- Stretch fabrics, hoodie ties, or dangling jewelry like bracelets that can get caught in machinery are not allowed.
- Tie back long hair.
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
Handwork Week Schedule
This preliminary schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, April 26
- 2 PM: BARN tour for new students and visitors
- 4 PM: Studio-specific orientations (TBD)
Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 - 4 or 5 PM: Classes
- 5 or 6 PM - 10 PM: Open Studios (unstructured work time for Handwork students and community)
- 7 - 9 PM: Community events (TBD)
Friday, May 1
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 PM - 4 PM: Classes
- 3 PM: Optional item dropoff for Silent Auction participants
- 4 - 6 PM: Studio walkthrough, Silent Auction, drinks and appetizers (open to community)
- 6 - 8 PM: Celebration Dinner (not included in course registration; tickets required).
Handwork Week Dining Options
Class registration does not include catered lunches or tickets to the May 1 Celebration Dinner.
Lunch Options
Join us for lunches catered each day by Fig & Spice! View the menu and purchase lunch tickets.
If you'd prefer to explore Bainbridge Island during lunch, check out restaurant options.
You're also welcome to bring a packed lunch. BARN's lower level has a refrigerator and microwave for community use.
Dinner Options
Dinners are on your own during Handwork Week. We hope you'll join us for our Celebration Dinner on May 1 (purchase tickets here)! During Handwork Week, explore delicious food options a short distance from BARN and across the Agate Pass Bridge in Poulsbo.
Evening Activities
We're planning community art events during the evenings of Handwork Week. Stay tuned!
Silent Auction
Handwork Week participants are invited to submit work to our Silent Auction, happening Friday, May 1 at 4:30 PM. Proceeds benefit BARN programs. More details coming soon!
BARN Handwork 2026 Policies
- Cancellation Policies for Handwork Classes: We understand schedules can be unpredictable. Because there is a lot of planning for this event, BARN is implementing a special Handwork 2026 cancellation and refund policy.
- Cancellations requested prior to Feb. 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 85% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested between Feb. 13 and March 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 50% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested on March 14, 2026, or later will not be eligible for refunds.
- To request a cancellation, click the link in your profile or email registrar@bainbridgebarn.org.
- We strongly encourage out-of-town visitors to make refundable reservations.
- Tuition Assistance is available. We will prioritize Handwork 2026 tuition assistance for local students, who are eligible to apply at any time. Out-of-town applications will be processed after Jan. 1, 2026. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Mario Oblak
Jeff Oens
Frank Wurden
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
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