Industrial Arts Mentorship for All

IAMA focuses on youth with marginalized identities, including queer, girls and gender expansive youth, and youth who have been historically underrepresented in industrial arts and technical education spaces.

The studio offers a supportive, collaborative environment where young people can build confidence, explore creative expression and develop practical metalworking skills.

Mission

IAMA provides technical and professional development for underrepresented youth through hands-on learning in the industrial arts, especially blacksmithing and welding.

What students gain

• Foundational skills in blacksmithing, welding and related metal arts
• Experience working in a real industrial shop environment
• Opportunities to design and create original artwork
• Confidence, leadership and professional development skills
• Community, friendship and mentorship with peers and adult role models

Location

• Studio address: 4430 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412

Organization details

• Nonprofit status: 501(c)(3)
• EIN: 93-4631398

If someone needs detailed information that is not included in these documents (such as specific dates, pricing or registration status), they should contact IAMA directly using the phone number or the appropriate form on the website.

Studio location

• Studio address: 4430 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412
• City/region served: Minneapolis and the broader Twin Cities area.

Notes

• IAMA operates a working industrial metal shop; visitors and participants should follow the safety guidance provided for specific programs and workshops.
• For information about donations or supporting the nonprofit, refer to the "Donate" information on the website or contact IAMA directly.

• Queer Space Collective – Partnership supporting LGBTQIA+ youth through workshops and exhibition cohorts.
• Avenues for Youth ConnectQT – Youth‑serving organization that connects young people with resources and supportive programming.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) / Minneapolis Public Schools – Education partners connecting students with technical education pathways and industrial arts experiences.

These partnerships help IAMA:

• Reach youth who might not otherwise have access to industrial arts programs
• Coordinate cohort‑based workshops and exhibitions
• Connect industrial arts learning to broader educational and career pathways.

For current partnership opportunities or to explore a new collaboration, organizations can contact IAMA using the contact information on the website.

• Students are invited to exhibit their finished artwork in a pop‑up gallery space.
• Youth demonstrate newly learned skills in metalwork and industrial arts for visitors.
• The exhibition setting helps students gain confidence in public presentation and professional practice.

Skill and professional development

Through exhibition opportunities, students:

• Prepare and present finished artwork
• Write short artist statements
• Practice speaking about their work with visitors
• Gain experience with public events and demonstrations

Example cohorts and events noted on the site

• Twin Cities Pride 2024: Open enrollment LGBTQIA+ youth cohort
• Cohort 2: LGBTQIA+ youth in summer programs
• Cohort 3: LGBTQIA+ youth through a community partnership with Queer Space Collective

For current and upcoming exhibitions, please refer to IAMA's Exhibit Hall and Events information on the website.

• Corporate groups
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits
• Schools
• Sports teams and other work teams

Activities and experience

Participants can:

• Heat steel in a furnace (around 2000°F) and shape it over an anvil
• Cut through steel using Oxygen/Acetylene torches
• Stamp and form copper trinkets and small projects

Workshops emphasize:

• Hands-on skill building in blacksmithing and related metal processes
• Building confidence in working with tools and materials
• Strengthening trust, communication and collaborative spirit within teams
• Connecting fire and industrial arts work to teamwork and problem solving.

Youth team workshops

• Youth ages 12 and older can participate in team-oriented workshops in blacksmithing, Oxygen/Acetylene torch cutting or copper forming.
• Youth receive safety instruction, demonstrations and support from professional mentors.
• Workshops connect industrial arts to science, math and engineering concepts.
• Each participant completes a small project to take home.

Safety and accessibility

• Safety instruction: All participants receive basic safety training and demonstrations before beginning hands-on work.
• Required clothing: Closed‑toe shoes are required when visiting the metal shop.
• Safety equipment: Safety glasses are provided.

Session length and format

• Half‑day workshops: Approximately three‑hour project‑based session with snacks and drinks; lunch can be provided for an additional cost.
• Full‑day workshops: Morning three‑hour project‑based session, catered lunch onsite, and an afternoon three‑hour project‑based session.

For current pricing, date availability and customizations for your group, please contact IAMA directly or submit the team building request form on the website.

• Audience: School and community groups
• Ages: Youth ages 12 and older
• Location: IAMA studio in North Minneapolis
• Activities: Observe demonstrations in blacksmithing, torch cutting and/or welding
• Focus: Explore the technical and creative process, learn about educational and career pathways, and experience a working industrial shop environment.

Pre-Apprentice Program

• Format: Three‑month pilot pre-apprenticeship experience
• Cohort size: Four young people (per pilot described on the site)
• Focus areas:
• Further development of technical metalworking skills
• Professional and leadership development
• Supporting maintenance of the working shop space
• Hearing from professional artists and tradespeople about their experiences and career pathways
• Culminating event: Participation in a final exhibition of student work.

Queer Youth Workshops

• Audience: LGBTQIA+ youth
• Environment: Safe, affirming and inclusive space
• Focus: Metal arts and industrial processes such as blacksmithing and welding
• Goals:
• Support queer youth in continuing arts learning or trying something new
• Build community and friendships
• Provide a fun, dynamic learning experience in the industrial arts.

Girls and Gender Expansive Empowerment (coming soon)

• Audience: Girls, young women and gender diverse youth
• Focus: Dynamic educational opportunities in industrial arts and metalwork
• Aim: To support genders traditionally underrepresented in industrial arts and technical education
• Environment: Supportive, safe space that centers empowerment and confidence building.

General youth participation notes

• Minimum age: 12 years old for field trips and youth workshops, based on current site information.
• Safety: Youth learn and work in an active metal shop with appropriate safety practices and supervision.

For the most current program dates, schedules and application details, please contact IAMA directly using the contact information on the site or the appropriate interest or application form.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.