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

Public Art
2024
2022
2022
2021
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
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
