The Michigan Folk School
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Instructor Profiles

Anna Keene
Blacksmithing

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My Story...
​ A
nna Keene, an artist blacksmith who now lives in Ypsilanti creates organic forms from materials otherwise seen is industrial. Her finished pieces mimic the shapes found in nature and often convey a flowing affect that resonates with the material in a one’s liquid state. She’s proud to carry on this work that her great, great grandmother did years ago in Tennessee.

In 2000 Anna moved from Detroit to New Mexico. “It was like a landing in a new world and I was eager to soak it all in.” She began to work with a sculptor and furniture designer where she would discover the satisfaction of working with her hands and tools. After attending a handful of welding classes Anna befriended a local farrier who would become a mentor as she learned the craft a blacksmithing.

“The underpinnings of my artistic inspiration are many: the vast landscapes in the people of New Mexico; where I began my studies as a blacksmith; the shapes of the plants and the twisted roots in the desert; the sustaining love and support from friends and family. From these sources, I’ve learned to see beneath surfaces, to discover the underlying layers, to be still in honor the natural objects.”

In 2007 she became a mother to her son, Jasper. “ I suddenly have this amazing muse, who is very quickly offer me a new way of looking at life.”The pieces of work, and I produced in those next year’s.; hand, forged nest, cocoons, and tiny houses would tell the story of her becoming a mother. From there, she would go on to participate in art shows, and build impressive gates throughout the country.

Classes I Teach
Blacksmithing for Kids
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Blacksmithing 101
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Parent/Child Blacksmithing Workshop
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    Contact Anna

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Our Mission: The Michigan Folk School is committed to creating a community engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences through the teaching and sharing of traditional folk arts, crafts, music, and skills in an inspiring natural setting and to promote the preservation of forest and farmland.


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Email

registrar@MiFolkSchool.com
734-436-8973

Campus Address

7734 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Business Address

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
2230 Platt Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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  • Home
    • Contact Us >
      • Show Your Interest
    • General policies & information
    • Mailing List Sign-Up
    • Staebler Farm County Park & Campus
    • Our Other Facilities
    • Instructor Portal
  • Learn
    • Instructor Profiles
    • gift certificates
    • Calendar
    • Categories >
      • archery
      • blacksmithing
      • boats & trailers
      • broom craft
      • bushcraft
      • children's classes
      • community learning
      • fiber
      • food
      • gardening & farming
      • glass
      • health & home
      • home improvement
      • homesteading
      • jewelry & metalwork
      • leather
      • millinery & dressmaking
      • sailing
      • woodworking
    • Open Studio
  • Teach
  • Finding Flow
  • Donations