Courses & Workshops Instructor Bios
Brian Anderson resides in Bristol, Vermont and has over 40 years of blacksmithing experience. He has participated in numerous local and national shows.
Lucian Avery began blacksmithing full time in 1993, focusing on commissioned works. Over the years his interests have shifted to the design and manufacture of traditional forged door hardware. Lucian lives and works with his family in Hardwick, Vermont. For more information check Lucian’s web site www.lucianaveryblacksmith.com.
James Blair was a staff photographer for the National Geographic magazine for 37 years. During this period he has had over 47 stories published and 2000 pictures printed in the magazine. He has also done freelance work for Time and Life magazine. He has had a one-man show at the Carnegie Museum and co-authored the book Listen With The Eye with the poet Samuel Hazo. Jim lives in the Washington D.C. metro area.
Joanne Dennis is a Research Associate with LCMM’s Maritime Research Institute, and has been in the archaeology field since 1998 working in Vermont, Colorado, the Caribbean and South America.
Bob Dollar is a retired naval officer, a member of the International Guild Of Knot Tyers, and a member of the Cordage Institute. He has an extensive knowledge of knots, rope and Traditional Rigging, and has provided knotwork and expertise to various tall ships, the movie industry and continues to work with the US Navy and Coast Guard.
Geoff Kerr of 2 Daughters Boatworks in Westford, VT is a full time professional boat builder who has worked with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation building boats up to 42’ long. Geoff has been instructing classes building stitch and glue kayaks for years here at LCMM and at the WoodenBoat School in Maine. He has been affiliated with Chesapeake Light Craft since its origins.
Peter Wells began blacksmithing in 1968 in New Mexico and has taught the basics of the craft to numerous students for decades. He operates Green Mountain Forge at his home in East Calais, VT. From 1991 to 1998 he was the Working Exhibits Manager at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne.
Robert Wetzel lives in Jericho, Vermont. He began his long metalworking career as a tool and die maker. Bob learned blacksmithing in 1993 and is a regular demonstrator/interpreter/instructor in the Blacksmith Shop at Shelburne Museum.
Matt Witten is LCMM's Water Ecology Program Director, has worked with students on various vessels on the Atlantic Ocean, Hudson River, Lake Champlain, and many other rivers and lakes since 1986. Matt is also an accomplished musician and LCMM’s Champlain Troubador.