Helmut Hillenkamp, leader of Magic of Metal.

There's a magic about metal that mesmerizes those who work with it. We have the ability to take hard metal rods, heat, twist, hammer and shape them in a clay-like fashion. The results can be beautiful and infinitely useful. Metal Arts at the Esalen Arts Center include sculptural and functional metal work using techniques of blacksmithing, arc and gas welding, and casting.

Metal sculpture of a dragon by Helmut Hillenkamp.

Working together on a community metal project.

Metal seaweed sculpture by Joe Caming.

Metal arches created in a community project at the Arts Center.

Metal sculpture by Helmut Hillenkamp.

Fountain welded as a group project with metal artist Helmut Hillenkamp at the Arts Center.

Matt welding in the outdoor studio at the Arts Center.

Metalwork with mosaic by Helmut Hillenkamp.