Instructor Biographies

Kevin Kratz

Kevin has been blacksmithing for over ten years creating many one of a kind sculptures, and commissioned works. While working with Kootenay Forge as a sub-contractor, Kevin honed his production skills by making thousands of metal art products for the home. Prior to setting up Goose Creek Forge in the Slocan Valley, Kevin spent twelve years working as a metal engraver with his father in their family business, Precision Engaving Co. Ltd. Kevin has an Artist/Blacksmith certificate from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Ontario. Kevin works full time in his metal studio and teaching at KSA.

Denis Kleine

Denis graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1983 from DTUC. For over 20 years Denis has been sculpting in bronze and stone and for five of those years he owned and operated a bronze foundry in Kelowna. He has completed several public commissions in BC and Alberta and his works can be found in private and corporate collections internationally. Denis is a member of the Sculptors Society of Canada and has won National and International Snow Sculpting events. He shows in galleries in the US and Canada. http://www.deniskleinesculptor.com

Dan Armstrong

Dan has been blacksmithing for 25 years. Initially his ironwork was an avocation but in 1992 he established his own forge in the Slocan Valley and has done custom ironwork since that time. He has a B.A. from Colorado College and has taught basic blacksmithing throughout the Kootenays.