James Ryan

A former Texas native but proud New Mexico transplant (got here as fast as I could)
I grew up playing with Creepy Crawlers, Tinker Toys, Erector Sets, Hot Wheels, Lego's (the most painful discovery toy), as well as chemistry and electronics sets.
Studied Blacksmithing at Peters Valley Folk School in NJ and the John C. Campbell Folk School in NC.
Practiced and honed my blacksmithing as a member of the North Texas Blacksmiths' Association (NTBA) and the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA)
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making from the University of Texas - Arlington (UTA) where I also studied sculpture, neon, and glass blowing.
Worked as a Technical Assistant for the Art + Art History Department at UTA in their Studio Art complex assisting in the Metalsmithing, Jewelry, Sculpture, Neon, Glass blowing and fusing, Ceramics, Print Making and Painting studios while pursuing my degrees.
Developed and taught blacksmithing, metalworking and jewelry making in collaboration with the UTA, Continuing Education Department.
Previous Owner/Operator of Dreamsmith Metalworks in Arlington, TX (Custom architectural metal, sculpture and furniture)
Resident blacksmith at the Knapp Heritage Park in Arlington, TX (2004 - 2021) in associating the the Arlington Historical Society
Regular blacksmithing demonstrator for various festivals in the Fort Worth/Dallas metro area.
Also a talented woodworker and avid fisherman...