The Red Cod Forge will once again host its gallery show and open house on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, will support Nanoose Community Services, with 10 per cent of sales, and 50 per cent of the metal heart sales, going to the organization. The gallery is located at 2155 Spurs Pl., in Nanoose Bay.
“It’s going to be nice to see people out and about,” said owner Dave Kasprick, who will host the gallery show after taking off two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He will also open up his shop, next to the gallery, where James Oliver will demonstrate the art of blacksmithing, working on a project over the weekend. Oliver will be in the shop from 10 a.m. until around 3 p.m. both days, where people can ask him questions.
Kasprick has been in the blacksmith trade for more than 15 years — he brings in a guest blacksmith for the weekend so he is able to meet people and answer questions in the gallery.
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Kasprick started making the red metal hearts early in the COVID-19 pandemic, giving out hundreds to support his community. The hearts are part of a global movement of people placing hearts in their windows or outside their houses to show support and unity during the pandemic and the social isolation that comes with it.
He added there is room in the approximately 450 square-feet gallery for people to spread out a bit.
Although blacksmiths don’t make as much stuff for farming, logging or mining purposes anymore, there is still quite a demand for the architectural and the sculptural art aspect of blacksmithing, Kasprick said.
Everyone who donates or makes a purchase will be entered into a draw to win Oliver’s weekend blacksmithing project.
This event is part of the Nanoose Bay studio tour. Kasprick said his gallery is the only one he is aware of that is donating to Nanoose Community Services.