Artist Spotlight: Rich Baker Ironworks
Metal Magic
John and Amanda, your hosts at Avery House B&B, are admirers of sculptor Rich Baker, who breathes life into raw metal. Rich works intuitively, drawing inspiration from ideas and images. He starts with raw, cold metal, hammering and welding it into shape. Each piece is then meticulously ground, textured, and finally coated with lacquer for a lasting finish.
Explore the impressive range of Rich's work on his website's gallery. While Rich's inspiration often comes from nature, his portfolio show amazing variety in content and style.  Check out the Samurai Warrior he created for Avery House!
For those who crave a hands-on experience, Rich offers a unique opportunity. Roughly once a month, he hosts a weekend workshop at his private studio, just a 20-minute drive south of Stratford. Limited to four students, this 18-hour course delves into the fundamentals of metalworking. Rich explains, "I aim to guide beginners, helping them get comfortable with the tools and techniques. You'll be surprised by how quickly you can learn to weld and sculpt!" Plus, you get to take home your metal creation as a souvenir of your artistic journey.
Why not turn this into a memorable weekend escape? Learn from Rich during the day, then savor a delicious meal at one of Stratford's fantastic restaurants. DiscoverStratford.com can help you find the perfect overnight accommodation to match your tastes and budget.