Entry No. 32 — the Detroit file — filed under: metalsmithing
Smith Shop
A nationally recognized metalworking studio located in a historic Highland Park space, producing extraordinary functional and ornamental metalwork. They offer small-group and private classes in jewelry making, blacksmithing, and silversmithing.
The story
Founded in 2012 by metal artisans Gabriel Craig and Amy Weiks, Smith Shop quietly set up shop at 180 Victor Street in Highland Park. While automated manufacturing dominates modern metalwork, this studio chose the opposite path: preserving traditional hand-craftsmanship across goldsmithing, silversmithing, and blacksmithing under a single roof.
This isn't a sterile showroom—it is a working metal fabrication studio. Here, raw steel, copper, and gold are hand-hammered and torched into everything from bespoke fine jewelry to custom-forged steel serving spoons and architectural ironwork.
What it's like
Stepping onto the floor at 180 Victor St puts you among heavy anvils, shaping tools, and the unmistakable grit of an active forge. Workshops are intentionally kept small, so you won't be watching from a distance—you'll be handling the hammer, torch, and metal yourself. Wear natural-fiber clothing you don't mind getting dirty, and be sure to book a class or confirm studio hours before showing up, as this is a working studio rather than an open walk-in store.
The move: Sign up for a specialized weekend workshop or multi-session jewelry class where couples can learn to forge simple, elegant metal bands or custom copper spoons.
- 📍 Highland Park
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 180 Victor St, Highland Park, MI 48203
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Hamtramck Disneyland — Balance the disciplined precision of studio metalsmithing with a visit to Hamtramck's wildly chaotic two-story folk-art installation.
- The Schvitz — Soothe your shoulders after an afternoon over an anvil with a steam session at Detroit's historic 1930 bathhouse.
- The Black Salt — Trade hot metal torches for custom elixirs at Hamtramck's intimate, witchcraft-themed cocktail sanctuary.
- Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum — Compare fine studio metalwork with Dabls' sprawling outdoor art environment constructed from raw iron, rock, and mirrors.
Good to know
What types of classes does Smith Shop offer?
They offer small-group and private workshops in blacksmithing, silversmithing, and jewelry making, including specialized sessions for forging custom metal bands and copper serving spoons.
Do I need any previous metalworking experience to sign up?
No experience is necessary. Workshops are designed for beginners as well as intermediate makers wanting direct instruction using real studio tools.
Can I purchase finished metalwork at the studio?
Yes, they produce and sell functional and ornamental metalwork, including hand-forged steel and copper servingware sets and fine jewelry.
Where is Smith Shop located?
The studio is located at 180 Victor St in Highland Park, Michigan.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · contemporarycraft.org
last checked: 2026-07-21