METAL

About this Studio

The metal studio in AVA’s Sculptural Studies Building is a well-equipped, state-of-the-art workspace designed for artists of all skill levels. Featuring a range of professional tools and equipment (see list below), the studio supports processes such as welding, blacksmithing, fabrication, and metal sculpture. Integrated ventilation and air filtration systems help ensure a safe, comfortable environment for working with metal.


Have questions about the wood studio? Email sculpturalstudies@avagallery.org and our program coordinator or staff will get back to you.

Metal Studio Safety Guidelines

  • Wear proper attire: close-toed shoes, no loose clothing or dangling jewelry, and always pull hair back. Wear clothes with natural fibers (no synthetics) when operating torches.
  • Safety glasses are required when using both power tools and hand tools.
  • Hearing protection is available and recommended when operating loud machinery.
  • Dust masks or respirators are recommended for any dust-producing processes.
  • Do not wear gloves when operating spinning machinery like buffing wheels, belt sander, drill press or flex shaft. This is extremely dangerous.
  • If the tanks need to be changed, ask for assistance. Only teachers, studio monitors and AVA staff can change tanks.
  • Leave the studio as clean as—or cleaner than—you found it. Sweep and properly dispose of all wood shavings and scraps, and return machines to a ready-to-use condition.
  • Report immediately with any equipment issues.
  • Report any electrical hazards immediately.
  • Ask for assistance if you are unsure how to operate any equipment or machinery.


  • A workshop setting with people working at benches with tools, vises, and equipment, including a red door in the back.

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  • Two people in protective aprons use hammers and tongs to shape a piece of hot metal on an anvil in a workshop.

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  • A person using a torch to melt and shape glass on a workbench.

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  • Two people in protective gear and goggles watch sparks fly as one uses a torch to cut metal at a workbench.

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  • Black and white photo of a workshop wall with six angle grinders hanging on a rack below various metal clamps.

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  • A person in a green and tan leather welding jacket uses a torch to heat twisted metal held in a bench vise.

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  • A person in a red shirt uses a blowtorch to heat a thin metal wire held in a metal vise.

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  • A metal hammer with a wooden handle rests on a heavy metal anvil set upon a wooden block.

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  • A person wearing safety goggles and work gloves uses a tool on a wooden project at a workshop table.

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Equipment List

  • 2 benches.......