In the the Blacksmith shop, Clay Spencer instructs his final class on how to build a table with fellow instructor Mike LaMarre.

The afternoon sun filters softly through the windows of the Clay Spencer Blacksmith shop; a golden glow illuminates rugged anvils as the scent of coal and iron lingers in the air. This was no ordinary week on campus, and word had spread quickly: Folk School legend and Master Blacksmith Clay Spencer was teaching his final class this May. 

The project was simple in theory, crafting a metal table, but everyone in the room knew it wasn’t merely about furniture. Each curve of steel, every rivet carried the weight of memory, and the imprint of a man with a legacy of shaping metal and the lives of those around him. 

“I’m real thankful for the Folk School being here, and I’m real happy it’s been a part of my life,” Spencer said.  

A congregation of men form a semicircle around the front of the Blacksmith shop. A fellow instructor and longtime friend of Spencer, Mike LaMarre, provides a demonstration. He grabs a tool from the table as he recalls purchasing it from Spencer in 2011.  

“Mike is my co-instructor, and he has done a wonderful job,” Spencer said. “He’s going to continue teaching this class, so they’ll be a chance for other people to be taught.” 

A legend on campus, Spencer has taught at John C. Campbell Folk School since the late ‘90s, apprenticing under ornamental ironworker Francis Whitaker. He spent many years in Brasstown honing his craft and embedding himself in the history of campus. 

“I took all of Francis Whitaker’s classes, and eventually he let me take over his place and got me elected to the board. It’s been a wonderful, wonderful part of my life,” Spencer said. 

In the Clay Spencer Blacksmith shop, Spencer instructs how to build an ornamental table with his fellow instructor an life-long friend, Mike LaMarre.

The blacksmith shop, his blacksmith shop, is the largest on campus, serving as a living testament to his blazing influence on the community. Built in 2009 and named in his honor, it sparked the valley with reverence, providing a space for craftspeople to hammer-out their challenges into beautiful pieces of artwork. 

“After the first year I started teaching here, the best I can tell, I’ve taught 160 classes here, most of them blacksmithing, some of them I was an assistant instructor,” Spencer said. 

Leading with patience and grace, Spencer carries his legendary status with humility and kindness. He speaks fondly of his students, proud of their accomplishments and impressed with their determination.  

“My wife was a resident enamelist, and we had a good time. We lived in Murphy for 15 years. This has been a great class here, the best class all week,” Spencer said jokingly.  

As the final sparks settle and the forge grows still, Clay Spencer’s legacy remains etched in the hearts of those he’s guided. Though this may be his final class, the spirit he’s kindled will continue to burn brightly, carried forward by the community he helped forge.

Clay Spencer and Mike LaMarre reminisce as they share share their expert knowledge with students in the studio. 

Forge After Dark and Forging for the Future live auction

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 7, with Forge After Dark, an evening gathering from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop on the Folk School campus. Visitors can watch master blacksmiths at work, enjoy live music and refreshments, purchase raffle tickets and experience the vibrant atmosphere of collaborative craftmaking. A documentary about legendary Clay Spencer will be shown during the evening. The event is free and open to the public.