Forging Inclusivity: Anna Koplik Teaches Blacksmithing and More at ESSA
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) was delighted to welcome journeyman blacksmith and artist Anna Koplik to its campus during September and October of 2024. Her time at ESSA was a dynamic blend of workshops, lectures, and live demonstrations that captivated the ESSA community and beyond.
Who is Anna Koplik?
Anna Koplik is an accomplished journeyman blacksmith with a passion for metalwork and a dedication to teaching. Her artistic journey began at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where she earned her BFA in Jewelry. It was during her time at Pratt that Anna discovered her love for forging, eventually transitioning to blacksmithing after her graduation in 2015.
Since then, Anna has worked at renowned craft schools and studios across the United States, including Penland School of Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and the John C. Campbell Folk School. She has honed her skills in tool and utensil making, blending functionality with a refined and delicate aesthetic.
Anna is a proud member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity in the field. Her work and teaching reflect her commitment to opening the craft to all, and she inspires students to explore the limitless possibilities of blacksmithing.
Learn more about The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths here.
Anna’s Lecture at NorthArk
During her time at ESSA, Anna gave an engaging lecture at North Arkansas College (NorthArk), where she shared her evolution as a blacksmith. Starting with her jewelry-making roots at Pratt, Anna described how she transitioned to blacksmithing, exploring hand-forged weapons, wearable weaponry, and architectural fabrication.
She recounted her experiences working in collaborative teams on large-scale projects, the rewards and challenges of group work, and the joy of installing finished pieces. Anna also spoke about her current life as a journeyman, traveling to teach workshops, crafting custom tools and utensils, and continuing to grow as an artist.
In addition, Anna highlighted the importance of representation in blacksmithing. She shared the work of talented women in the field and expressed her hopes for greater diversity and inclusion in the craft. Her presentation, complemented by photos of her travels and projects, left the audience inspired. The evening concluded with warm camaraderie over cookies and hot chocolate.
Workshops at ESSA
Anna’s time at ESSA featured two workshops: one for NorthArk faculty and another for ESSA students, both held in the state-of-the-art Windgate Iron Studio. Known for her approachable and effective teaching style, Anna guided students in mastering fundamental blacksmithing skills.
Anna Koplik teaches a NorthArk class at ESSA
Anna Koplik teaches ESSA Students
Skills and Projects
- Techniques: Students learned to taper, twist, and shape hot steel. They also practiced attaching pieces with rivets using an oxy-acetylene torch.
- Projects: Participants created two coat racks, with the first serving as a practice piece to refine techniques for the final project.
One workshop attendee, ESSA’s Fall 2024 Ceramics Artist in Residence Neena Wang, crafted two unique coat racks. One featured a striking snake motif, complementing her ceramic work on display at the 2024 Fall Ceramics Artist in Residence Reception.
Read the blog post below to learn more about the Fall Ceramics Artist in Residence Reception:
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) proudly hosted two remarkable ceramic artists, Neena Wang and Sabrina Barilone, during […]
Anna’s Generosity
Anna’s contributions extended beyond her scheduled workshops. She created and donated three beautifully crafted bag hooks to ESSA’s Small Metals Studio and a coat rack to the Windgate building, using these projects to demonstrate techniques for her students.
Inspiring Craftsmanship and Community
At ESSA, we believe art is vital to the human spirit. Anna Koplik’s time at ESSA exemplified our mission to cultivate creativity and inclusivity. Her time at ESSA not only showcased her exceptional skills but also brought people together through the shared experience of learning and making.
We are grateful for Anna’s contributions and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her artistry and dedication on the world of craft.
To learn more about ESSA, its transformative programs, or how you can help foster creativity, visit essa-art.org, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on social media:
Media Inquiries
For members of the media interested in learning more about the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, our Artists in Residence program, or the impact of our arts education programs, please contact ESSA’s communications team. We’re happy to provide additional information, images, and arrange interviews with ESSA staff or event participants.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to:
Chrissie Heavenridge
Email: marketing@essa-art.org
Phone: (479) 253-5384
Website: essa-art.org
Thank you for helping us share the story of how community support is shaping the future of the arts.
