Hi folks,
It's no secret that we're in unprecedented financial times, and unfortunately, Hardy & Fuller is not immune. As many of you may know from following our journey so far, the last year has seen us build and launch a truly special and amazing operation. The excitement we've seen from everyone who comes in contact with our space and the work we're doing, and the hundreds of lives it's already touched, has been truly inspiring and overwhelming.
ABOUT US:
Hardy & Fuller (est.’d 2022) is an inclusive metal maker space offering classes, events, and open studio in blacksmithing, welding, and jewelry making based in Denver, CO.
Our space in the heart of Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment, along with two brilliant and capable facilitators and a lovable shop doggo:
Ashe Thorne (founder, owner, and proprietor)
- Master blacksmith, exceptional teacher, and all-around boss babe
- 3rd generation metal worker with over a decade of commercial and artistic experience.
- Queer, nonbinary person of color (Latinx and indigenous ancestry).
- A wealth of knowledge and expertise in every aspect of what we provide.
Daniel Thorne (apprentice)
- Ashe’s partner in life, business, and art.
- Assists in all aspects of Hardy & Fuller.
Sugar CrazyFace (dog)
- H&F’s cheeriest, most welcoming employee.
OUR VISION:
Hardy & Fuller was founded with a deep desire to provide high-quality access to metal arts for people of all kinds, whether for those who don’t have the space or equipment to practice and work, or especially for those who for any reason are marginalized or otherwise cut off from the means to do so (including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and disabled persons). We set out to make a space that was clean, comfortable, and safe so that anyone who wanted to could explore these crafts and skills in a personal and recreational context.
In the process, we’re also developing an Artist in Residence program, for which we are the guinea pigs. The space is a live/work establishment that we have been converting, and by the time we’re done, we will provide affordable artist housing in a city that desperately needs it.
We are also beginning to execute our plans for youth and special needs outreach; the shop is already designed with beyond-ADA levels of access for people who are neurodivergent or who have physical limitations, and we are partnering with the Art Students League of Denver to conduct our first teen specific classes. Additionally, we are liaising with aid organizations for veterans and the disabled.
OUR COMMUNITY:
In just the short time we’ve been operating, the response we’ve seen at every step of the process has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. People get excited immediately when they hear about the idea, and across the board, people have left satisfied and inspired. Some words on our behalf:
- “Hardy & Fuller is AMAZING. Ashe is an incredible teacher and the space is super welcoming - seriously, any skill level, come on in. I had zero experience with blacksmithing and had a blast learning the 101 skills. Excited to come back, learn more, make all kinds of things, and support this rad place!” -- Google review
- “I took Blacksmithing 101 at Hardy & Fuller and it was amazing! I am not an artist and have never worked with metal. The orientation at the start of the class was thorough and safety was emphasized throughout. I never knew how much fun this could be and am ready for another project!” -- Google review
- “Their space is an incredible place to be creative, make new friends, and experience community. Highly recommend taking a class or just stopping by to see what it’s all about!!” -- Google review
We’ve also developed a strong and growing following on social media, with an engaged audience on Facebook and Instagram.
We also conduct weekly “Community Meet and Greet” functions that draw 30-40 people throughout the night as we do blacksmithing and plasma-cutting demonstrations and field questions.
And we routinely partner with other local businesses and groups as part of everything we do, including Town Hall Collaborative, Awakening Boutique, Ink ‘n Drink, and more just in the last month.
SO FAR:
We moved into our space on February 28th, 2022, and began converting it to suit the space’s needs. Through a long and arduous process with architects, the city, and various contractors we completed the first phase of our construction, installing electrical wiring for the welders and plasma cutter and a natural gas line for the forge, as well as a kitchen in the living space.
We opened our doors on November 29th, 2022, and the last 11 weeks have seen unbelievable growth and response from the public (see above). We have connected with literally thousands of people at our events, posting and handing out flyers, by doing pop-up markets, on social media, and we’re making a name for ourselves in town.
OUR SITUATION NOW:
The holiday season provided us with a needed boost, but unfortunately, January and February (like for any business) have been lean. We originally planned to open in July of 2022, and working through the much longer-than-expected process ate through our reserve of working capital, so we are struggling to make ends meet. We are trying to raise every dollar possible to weather the growing pains of a newly established small business.
We’ve happily taken extra work in fabrication for certain projects on the side, and have begun advertising the Plasns CNC table, which has been readily received.
We are subject to the slow early growth phase that every business experiences, and we are trying to weather the storm. We have every reason to believe that, as things in our market get going as we move into the spring and summer, we will stabilize and get ahead.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
If you’re one of the many people we have reached who are excited about what we are and what we offer, if you’ve wanted to take a class or come to an event, or support us in any other way, we assure you that now is the time. We need a bridge between now and our more profitable seasons, and we will not make it if we aren’t able to raise the money we’re setting out to raise. You can help us by…
- Donating to this fundraiser.
- Signing up for one of our scheduled classes in blacksmithing or welding.
- Attending one of our monthly events.
- Using our open studio time.
- Buying our merchandise or wares.
- Commissioning custom work.
- Sharing this fundraiser and telling your friends.
More information at our website.
We are looking into the future with a very real hope, and we are very inspired by the difference Hardy & Fuller makes in people’s lives. If you believe in our project as much as we do, and if you want to see it thrive, please consider supporting us and the change you want to see in your community and the world.
We want this place to be here for you to fullfill you creative dreamms and to BUILD BIG.
Thank you in advance.
Ashe, Daniel, & Sugar