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Meet the Artist

Leslie Tharp's portfolio ranges from public sculptures, placed throughout the country, to private and commercial projects. In addition to her studio practice, Leslie offers hands on blacksmithing and welding classes through her teaching facility [Fe]ver Metal Art Center in Gainesville, FL.  

The unique combination of forged and fabricated metal inspires creative expression as well as structural solutions. This perspective on the material has encouraged an abundance of applications, from public art to architectural metalwork, and so much more. 

 


 

Education

Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the University of Florida

 

Journeyman Certification for Blacksmithing


Awards

 

City of Gainesville Individual Artist of the Year Award 2019


Demonstration

 

USA All Women's Blacksmithing Demonstration team for the 2025 STIA Biennale, Italy

Rocky Mountain Smiths Conference

Northwest Blacksmith Association Conference

Teaching

[Fe]ver Metal Art Center 2012- present

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, ME

Touchstone Center for Crafts, PA

Peters Valley School of Craft, NJ

Morean Workshop Space, FL

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Public Art

2024

2022

2022

2021​​

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2021

2020

2019

2019

2018

2018

2016

2016

2014

2013

2012

2012

2011

Grounded.  Roswell, GA​

Tropical Passage.  Gainesville, FL

Unbridled.  Newberry, FL

We Are Woven.  Gainesville, FL

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Roots.  Raymore, MO

Shands Healing Garden Entrance. Gainesville, FL

Lighted Gator. Gainesville, FL

Explore. Doral, FL

Wave Bike Racks. Gainesville, FL

Jungle Book Busts. Clemson, SC

Skunk Ape. Gainesville, FL

The Chase. Gainesville, FL

Out of the Woods. Asheville, NC

Startle. Atlanta, GA

The Giving Tree. Gainesville, FL

Roots. Coral Gables, FL

Cycle. Gainesville, FL

Get in Touch

352-224-9641

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