Programs That Change Young Lives
Industrial Arts training programs for youth with marginalized identities. Enhancing confidence and building unique skills to create new pathways and journeys.
Creating with Our Youth
IAMA, Industrial Arts Mentorship for All, is an accessible learning experience for underrepresented youth in the Twin Cities.
We aim to provide a supportive and collaborative studio space that fosters confidence and the belief in one’s abilities and identities.
Students develop basic skills in the industrial arts of blacksmithing and welding while exploring a creative process of making and exhibiting artwork.
Students build skillsets, artwork, friendships and community as a part of their IAMA experience.
We aim to provide a supportive and collaborative studio space that fosters confidence and the belief in one’s abilities and identities."
– Carla Hall, executive director & artist
Youth Programs
Youth Field Trip Demonstrations
School and community groups are invited to our North Minneapolis based studio to observe demonstrations in blacksmithing, torch cutting and/or welding.
Students explore the technical and creative process, educational and career pathways all while experiencing an industrial working shop. Field trips are offered to youth ages 12 and older.
Queer Youth Workshops
IAMA provides a safe and affirming environment for our LGBTQIA+ youth interested in exploring metal arts and industrial processes.
Whether students are drawn to IAMA to continue arts learning, to build community or to learn something new, IAMA is a fun filled and dynamic experience.
Girls & Gender Expansive Empowerment
IAMA is committed to providing dynamic educational opportunities for girls, young women and gender diverse youth.
Genders who have been traditionally underrepresented in industrial art and educational spaces are guided through the learning and making process in a supportive and safe space.
Be The Spark – Be A Funder
Youth who experience enriching art making and creative experiences, love, support and friendships stand a better chance of being more resilient, healthy human beings.
The collective effort of our community to better the lives of youth will directly impact a better future for all of us.
Testimonials
At 18 years old it was always hard to find a strong woman as a role model other than my mother. When I met Carla, she showed me the importance of being a professional boss lady and to be on time for work. With great patience she showed me how to stick weld and blacksmith in her all woman classes. Carla has become a great role model / friend in my life still to this day. I am thankful for her guidance and friendship. She inspired me to be a power house at everything I put my mind to and to go for any and everything I want in life.
– Megaen Curl (she/her)
I had the privilege of working with Carla Hall for 10 years. She was my biggest mentor in learning the artistic ways of the industrial arts through blacksmithing and welding fabrication. Carla’s creative demeanor is inspiring and easy to understand as she is skilled at demonstrating and portraying her vision to those she is working with. With her leadership, we created and installed many large scale custom metal sculptures all over the Bay Area and beyond. I attribute my fine attention to detail in finish work, and my ability to manipulate metal into beautiful shapes to the skills I learned from her.
– Byrd Pappas (He/ him/ they)
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