About Us
Our
Founder
Ashe Thorne is a BIPOC, queer artist local to Colorado. Their obsession with metal began when they were young, working on old hot rods with their grandfather and father. This interest was rekindled at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where they received their BFA and first experienced the art of blacksmith techniques. They have worked in many types of metal fabrication shops that lend to their vast knowledge of tooling and building techniques. Since then they have worked in the arts community for almost a decade, teaching youth and teens at The Art Students League of Denver, as well as traditional coal blacksmith classes hosted at The Wyman Living History Ranch and Museum, through Colorado Northwestern Community College. It was here they learned their love of teaching this art form to others, and has pursued that ever since.
Our
​Vision
"We founded this makerspace with a simple idea: that everyone should have access to, and be welcome in, a high level, dedicated space for metal arts. During my time in commercial fabrication shops, I learned quickly that BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled and women presenting persons were few and far between, and the environments of many of these professional spaces were inhospitable and even actively unwelcoming to these groups. Seeing such a huge wealth of knowledge and talent go under-served and un-utilized illustrated a void in the trade that I hope Hardy & Fuller helps fulfill."
Community
Connection
"Makerspaces are becoming one of the more important ways that people, especially in urban populations, are accessing tools and resources that are outside of what it's easy to afford, or even be able to store, for the average person. The creative forms and techniques that we employ rely on large, sometimes hazardous, and often highly specialized equipment and by making that equipment available we can help make this contribution towards a thriving arts community here in Denver."
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-- Ashe Thorne, founder
The Society of
Inclusive Blacksmiths
FORGING THE FUTURE
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The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths (SIBs) strives to 'change the image of blacksmiths in the 21st century by supporting, promoting, and highlighting historically underrepresented populations and forward-thinking work.'
Hardy & Fuller is so PROUD
to be an official SIBling School!!!
Sugar Crazy Face
Our resident shop dog is the sweetest, most friendly buddo you'll ever meet! She is a common presence in the shop and can provide any emotional support you may need, as well as a good laugh because she is oh so silly. If dogs arent your thing, don't worry, she is kept behind a gate during operating hours so she cannot force her love on you.
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Sugar has been exposed to blacksmithing and welding since she was young and you will often catch her snoozing through our hammering. She will think everything you are making is brilliant. This is what makes her such a great shop dog!
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Feel free to give her a pet when you see her, that's what she lives for and will be your best friend for life if you do so.