I can’t say much about anvils but I can tell you about Touchstone.
They have just buildt a new blacksmith shop. I didn’t see the new one
but, the old one was extensive.
You are in the woods up a mountain in a cabin. Each cabin does have
electricity, screens, and some funiture. The food is ok.
The classes are wonderful in all areas. The opprotunities besides
metalsmithing and jewlery are excellent. They have many different
kinds of kilns for pottery not just raku, salt and, normal reduction.
(I was a potter for a good 10 years.) Watercolor, painting,
printmaking … all have wonderful teachers. The painting building is
located next to and on top of a stream. You can even paint in the
rain under the building, while looking at the stream with the
interesting bridge.
It takes me a while to drive to Touchstone from Detroit. I wish it
were closer. Then I could take more classes there.
I have gone to classes for 3 summers. The first 2 summers to take
Marne Ryan’s texturing metal and last year to take Steve Midgets
mokume class. I only regret not taking Blaine’s stone setting class.
I am going back again. I wish I could split myself so I could be in
all the classes at once. You do get to meet the other classes and
people if you have time. I love seeing what the tin can class makes.
Bobbie Hansen always is a stitch. He wrote the book on "Tin Can Art."
I’m not sure of the title. It’s the class with the most humor.
Touchstone is located south of Pittsburg, Pa, if you’re looking at a
map.
Nancy