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Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka

5 (20)
Sitka, US
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Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka

5 (20)
Sitka, US
Share
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Discover a truly unique and captivating fish experience in the heart of Sitka, Alaska. The Salty Sitkan invites you to step into the only metal art workshop open for classes in the Inside Passage. Led by Mike, a skilled and experienced high school shop teacher, this fast-paced class will ignite your creative spirit from the moment sparks fly on the state-of-the-art CNC Plasma cutter. Choose from a variety of fish blanks, including Sockeye, Coho, King Salmon, or even the majestic Pacific Halibut. As you delve into the world of metal art, Mike will share his trade secrets and guide you through the process of shaping, texturing, and adding vibrant hues to your masterpiece. By the end of the 2.5-hour class, you'll have transformed a simple piece of metal into a breathtaking Alaskan keepsake that rivals the beauty of Sitka Sound. Whether the seas are calm or the fish are biting, this is an experience you'll cherish forever.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Hands-on metal art class
  • Create unique Alaskan keepsakes
  • Learn tricks of the trade in a working CNC workshop
  • Bring your metal fish to life with 3D shape
  • Apply deep hues of bronze, purple, and blue to your art
  • Transportation from Cruise Ship Terminal via Sitka Shuttle Company
  • Shipping of finished project included for additional fee
  • All tooling required for project will be provided

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More about this experience

Introduction

Embark on a unique artistic journey with the Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka brought to you by The Salty Sitkan. Nestled along the scenic inside passage of beautiful Alaska, this one-of-a-kind activity offers visitors the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of metal art. Led by Mike, a skilled third-generation high school shop teacher with extensive knowledge in creating stunning masterpieces, this activity promises an unforgettable adventure.

What to expect?

During this fast-paced 2.5-hour class, you will delve into the art of metalwork, learning how to effortlessly and safely use the 2" die grinder to smooth and texture your creation. The sparks will fly as you gear up in the provided safety equipment, leaving you with a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment. After honing your grinding and texturing skills, you will bring your metal fish to life using a tear drop mallet to shape it in three dimensions.

Who is this for?

The Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka caters to all those seeking a creative and hands-on adventure. Whether you are an experienced artist or a novice seeking to try something new, this activity welcomes individuals of all skill levels. Escape the ordinary and embrace the opportunity to bring a unique piece of Alaskan artistry back home with you.

Why book this?

This metal art class offers a host of unique selling points and advantages. With Mike's wealth of experience as a shop teacher, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. The chance to witness a working CNC workshop and learn the trade secrets of transforming dull steel into breathtaking Alaskan keepsakes is an opportunity unlike any other. The final touch of applying deep hues of bronze, purple, and blue to your fish with a propane torch ensures that your creation will be truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting the beauty of Sitka Sound.

Good to know

This activity is approximately 2.5 hours in duration, providing ample time to fully immerse yourself in the art of metalwork. All necessary safety equipment will be provided, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. Whether the fish are biting or the seas are raging, this class will leave you with a remarkable catch that you will cherish forever.

Reviews

Feedback from individuals who have participated in the Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka has been overwhelmingly positive. They rave about the knowledgeable and friendly instruction provided by Mike, emphasizing the sense of achievement and satisfaction gained from creating their own unique metal fish. Many highlight the stunning colors achieved through the torch application, mirroring the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Sitka Sound. Overall, participants have found this experience to be both educational and highly enjoyable, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Sitka.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Reviews

(20)

5 (20)

stoobush

We had such a good time with Mike at The Salty Sitkan! Our group (two grandparents in the 70s, two parents in their late 40s, and two teenagers (16 and 12) took up the majority of the 10-person class. We started off with Mike demonstrating his plasma cutter and some of the science behind it, and then we each selected a precut fish/whale (there were several options) and headed upstairs to the shop. Each of us had a workstation with movable magnetic mounts, a dremel-like tool with two different polishing bits, a hammer, a blowtorch, safety glasses, welding gloves, and ear coverings. Mike gave us our instructions for finishing the underside of the cut fish, and we were off, shooting sparks in the air as we removed blobs of melted metal. This pattern repeated over the entire 2-hour class as we polished the front, then shaped the fish with the hammer on wooden blocks, and finally oxidized the steel with the blowtorch to develop a colorful patina. Mike and Randy really helped us out along the way to try to improve the detail on the fish, like polishing the face to add scale features, or sweeping the blowtorch to shape the colored features. As a parent, I really, really appreciated how Mike and Randy (both high school shop teachers (one retired)) treated our kids, which is to say they provided guidance, but they let them do the work themselves. Seeing our 12-year-old safely handling a blowtorch was definitely not something we expected when we got off the cruise ship that morning, but that's what we saw! By the same token, grandma and grandpa also were able to do everything as well. When it's all done, they apply clear coat to the fish, bag it up, and send you on your way, or they'll ship them for you at a reasonable price (we paid by Venmo). Ours arrived via USPS priority the day after we got home. Now we just have to figure out where to display them. This was one of the most unique activities we've ever done on a cruise, and I couldn't recommend The Salty Sitkan more highly. We walked there from the downtown Sitka shuttle drop-off point. It's about 20-25 minutes of easy walking, including a stroll through the Sitka National Historical Park (which I also recommend). The last 300 or so feet was the only distance where you had to walk on the street instead of dedicated walking paths. Fun fact: on last week's episode of The Amazing Race (S36E07), which featured a welding challenge, they used the exact same arrow-shaped magnetic mounts that you mount your fish to in the Metal Art Class.

M8744JWdenisea

This was the most amazing workshop experience I've ever had. Mike is an amazing instructor. Highly recommend going, not only do you have a blast - you also have the best souvenir to take home!!

282gordonm

This activity was so much fun! I learned how to operate a sander blow torch! Honestly it was on of my personal highlight of the whole Cruise.

victoriae407

The metal shop was a pleasant walk from where the cruise line dropped us off. I hadn't done any shop experience sort of thing in my life and was unsure of what I had talked myself into, but Mike led me easily through each step. Mike was very nice to work with. Hubby and I are both very pleased with the metal fish that we did. Mike shipped them to our house. The fish are still swimming around our home trying to settle on a permanent display place. They have great light reflection quality. This was a great experience.

T6599VCdavem

I brought 11 of my boy scouts and 4 parents to Salty Sitkan. We had a wonderful time and great memories with Mike. Mike was very patient, gave great directions with lots of encouragement for us all. All of my scouts want to go back. the fish we made are our #1 souvenirs from our trip through Southeast Alaska. Thank you Mike for such a great time.

SunnyAndDuff

Highly recommend this class! Mike is so nice and easy to communicate with. The four of us had so much fun. He was very hands on in teaching the necessary steps. This is a great activity and you get an awesome souvenir! He even offered to ship it for us. We had an afternoon class and he also gave us recommendations of activities to do on the way. Overall a great experience! Wishing Mike much success!

pasqualecP2232IA

Such a unique experience! My family enjoyed making the crafts and working with metal. The metal fish we took home will feature prominently on our wall at home and will certainly be a conversation piece for years to come! I'd highly recommend.

alhagedorn

This was a most unique and enjoyable experience. Mike is a true professional and great teacher. I am no artist, but with Mike’s direction I created a keepsake wall pice that I created with his guidance. His shop is a very comfortable and safe workplace and Mike is a diligent instructor insuring safety, cleanliness and commraderie with your partners and him. I have been to Sitka more than 20 times over the years and this was a top 5 experience. The class is just the right length of time and the art piece construction is a great memory.

Pasquale_C

Our family enjoyed this unique experience and came out with souvenirs that we can’t get anywhere else! Highly recommended!

rondaa314

A unique must do experience in Sitka, Ak. And bonus you have a beautiful piece of metal art. Mike explains every step of the way, lots of fun, especially since we did the class as a family. A one of a kind piece of art created by you❤️
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-09 18:38