The Dustworks

Making Handmade Tools for the Heart of the Home in idyllic Crozet Virginia

10/19/2026

Honored to be included among these heavy hitters. If you’re in or around Columbia, SC this fall, go check out this exhibit at 701 CCA from October 22 to December 27. Thanks Tabitha!

From the website:
“This exhibition focuses on works by metalsmiths from throughout the United States. Both seasoned and emerging artists will be featured, including Boris Bally, Harriett Estel Berman, Thomas Bosse, Thomas Campbell, Katie Cassell, Kat Cole, Cappy Counard, Marilyn da Silva, Jack da Silva, Addison de Lisle, Stefan Gougherty, Andrew Hayes, Mana Hewitt, Matanda Keyes, Jaydan Moore, Vu Nguyen, Rachel S. Smith, Narong Tintamusik, and Logan Woodle. Education programming such as artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, and interdisciplinary activities will accompany the exhibition.

Curated by Tabitha Ott, an experienced metalsmith and executive director of 701 CCA, the exhibition showcases current trends and studio practices of some of the leading metalsmiths working today. This exhibition is part of a nationwide initiative – Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, which commemorates the 250th anniversary.

Curator’s Statement
This exhibition highlights the various metals contemporary craftspeople are manipulating in addition to a wide range of techniques. The title of the exhibition is an alchemical symbol that translates to the latin word metallum which means “metal”. With this symbol, we celebrate the magical nature of metal. Under the flame, a work hardened piece becomes annealed and is soft and ready to be formed again. And to think, this process can happen endlessly! Through this exhibition, I am aiming to expose our community and beyond to contemporary metalsmiths who are challenging the limitations of metal, finding new life in discarded metal objects, transforming raw material into something breathtaking, experimenting with ancient techniques, and discovering new approaches. I am excited to invite you to discover the magic of metal!”

10/16/2026

Stoked to a part of this Corners Gallery exhibition from Oct 25 to Dec 20 in Ithaca, NY.

MATERIAL MATTERS

Join us for the opening reception for MATERIAL MATTERS on Sunday, October 25, from 2-4 pm, at the gallery at Trade Design Build.

MATERIAL MATTERS will feature 31 artists and makers from various regions of the United States. This exhibition will showcase works in many mediums and techniques: ceramic, drawing/painting, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood and more!

Participants: Maham Akhtar, Bobby Aiosa, Juan Calavero-Perez, Brian Chen, Travis Childers, Jaynie Gillman Crimmins, Jenna Efrein, Sue Friesz, Jennifer Girouard, Matthew Glaysher, Mahsa Javid, Drew Kail, Jonathan Kline, Iris Xiaoxue Ma, Virginia Melnyk, Ryan Sarah Murphy, Rebecca Murtaugh, Jim Napierala, Vu Nguyen, Barbara Page, Ashley Perez, Kelly Riek, Esme Saccuccimorano, Aoi Saito, Anne Sanger, Carla Stetson, Cara Taylor, Shira Toren, Anca Trandafirescu, Rachel Wittels, and Melissa Zarem.

MATERIAL MATTERS was co-curated by Gideon Stone, Founder / CEO, Trade Design Build, and Ariel Bullion Ecklund, Owner / Curator, Corners Gallery.

For sales inquiries or to make an appointment to see the show, contact [email protected].

The gallery at TRADE DESIGN BUILD is located at 1520 Trumansburg Rd / Rt 96 N, Ithaca NY.

10/10/2026

Autumn palette.

08/24/2026

What a whirlwind of a weekend hobnobbing with craft’s finest at Penland School of Craft ‘s 41st Annual Benefit Auction.

08/16/2026

So this happened…

I had the privilege of spending the past week with an incredible group of people at Penland School of Craft’s Iron Studio.

Teaching was never something I had considered but when Penland School of Craft came a-knockin’, I couldn’t say no.

I was truly spoiled by the group this workshop brought together. Except for one, none had any experience swinging a hammer. Yet they never let up, despite the blisters, heat, smoke, noise and long 9am to midnight days.

It was physically and mentally exhausting, but also deeply rewarding. Getting out of my solitary studio and into that energy field of creativity, curiosity, and connection was surprisingly nourishing.

I’ve never taught anything anywhere before. The bar has been set, and it is high.

I am grateful to everyone for setting it there and leveling up my sidequesting.

Special thanks to Autumn Brown for the studio guidance and Anna Johnson for the workshop assistance.

From left to right:
Marie Ahearn
✨ Ashleigh ✨
Sean Lawford
zora cokes
Planetary Motion
Liz Dresner
Anna Johnson
Brian Voelker
K Y R A H O D E S

Give them their flowers and a follow.

05/07/2026

has released its guide to the USA and over the next several days you’ll see some incredible craftspeople announcing their rightful place on it. After perusing the esteemed list you’ll probably be wondering “what the hell is this guy doing on the guide?” Same. 🤷🏻‍♂️

But here we are, and to say that I’m honored to be included would be the mother of all understatements. I mean c’mon, you’ve got heavy hitters like and 200 other tours de force from coast to coast… and then me. Are you having a laugh?

Sincerely though, grazie mille

04/29/2026

Grateful for 's continued support!

01/19/2026

I didn’t make many objects during my time at Winter Residency but I did make a bunch of new friends, invaluable connections and a commitment to make this a habit.

The electric charge from wading in the pool with so much creative energy is addictive.

Everyone is so freaking talented.

1. Winter Residency Session 1
2. Welcome at Northlight
3. show
4. hardware
5. Stunning work by
6.
7. Open studios at The Barns with
8. Cold AF
9. Show and Tell
10. The cleanest forgings by .czy.nski.studio
11. with David Clemons
12. Epic sculpture by .art
13. and pals
14. and eyeballing work
15. Rad lamp by
16. test driving chair by
17. Grills girls 🤘🏼and Mary ✌🏼
18. The Triplets of Bakersville

12/23/2025

As this year winds down, I’ve been taking a moment to reflect on how much has unfolded for The Dustworks in 2025. I’m deeply grateful for the people, institutions, and communities that made this year feel both grounding and expansive.

This year unfolded through a series of milestones, learning moments, and affirmations:

Best in Show, Staunton Art in the Park
Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths Tool Grant
First retreat at Touchstone Center for Crafts with SPARC
Secured my first solo gallery exhibition opening in 2027 at New City Arts Welcome Gallery
Took my first class at the Center for Metal Arts
Thick as Thieves collaboration with Studiolo Artale
American Craft Council Tools & Equipment Micro Grant
CERF+ Get Ready Grant

This season marked a meaningful shift—from commerce-driven to community-grounded. Finding my place within a broader craft community has brought new context, inspiration, and a deeper sense of purpose to the work.

A sneak peek at 2026:
January alone will be a full and focused start to the year, setting the tone for what’s ahead:

Distinguished Fellowship Winter Residency at Penland School of Craft — January
Winter Residency at the Center for Metal Arts — January,

Beyond January, the year continues with:
American Craft Made Show — February
Demonstration at Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival — April
Pentaculum Retreat Residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts— May
Joining the Erria Craft Platform
Teaching my first class at Penland School of Craft — August

I’m especially excited to step more fully into the craft community, to share space with peers I deeply admire, and to continue refining the core forms and processes that shape my work.

Somewhere in there I’ll be building out and moving into my new studio which will be twice as large as my current shed and half as far from my back door.

Thank you for following along, supporting the work, and believing in handmade tools that are meant to be used, lived with, and passed along. I’m looking forward to what the next year brings and grateful to have you here for it.

11/22/2025

I am beyond thrilled - and frankly terrified - to announce my first ever solo gallery exhibition at Welcome Gallery in 2027.

The exhibit will follow a through-line of culinary tools and sculptural objects that highlight the gathering, ceremony, pageantry, ritual, and excess surrounding food and drink.

It’ll be cathartic to show this new body of work in Charlottesville where my culinary career began with such high hopes and ended with such humbling hubris.

Thank you and the selection committee for the opportunity to evolve as an artist. Congratulations to all the artists exhibiting in this 16th season. I’m looking forward to it!

RIP: Comfort Zone. 😬

Address

Greenville, SC
29601-29617

Website

https://thedustworks.com/

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