Title: Blacksmithing- “Rush Lights”

Deadline to Register: May 16th, 2026 at 5:00pm

Description:  One of the oldest and simplest forms of lighting,  rush light candles and holders have been in common use since before the rise of the Roman Empire and continued to be used in rural parts of Britain and America well into the 20th century.  Rushlights remained a poor man’s lighting solution with the wealthier members of society preferring beeswax candles for lighting castles, cathedrals, and country houses.

Instructor: Al Stephens has recently retired having been a professional blacksmithing since 1992. He is a member of the Athens Forge chapter of the Alabama Forge Council. Al has taught classes for Burritt on the Mountain and Athens State University and demonstrated at local blacksmithing meetings. He is a member of the Alabama Forge Council. He has taught classes for Burritt on the Mountain and Athens State University and demonstrated at local blacksmithing meetings.

Supplies and Attire: Students should supply their own safety glasses if they have them. All other materials and tools will be supplied. Students should wear “work” clothes. Jeans and cotton shirts (or other cotton clothing) are recommended. Closed-toe shoes with socks are required. NO sandals or crocs, please. Leather work gloves are optional. Please note that this class requires standing throughout the day.

Time: Saturday, May 23rd (9:00am-4:00pm)

Tuition: $110.00
Supply Fee: $25.00
Level: Beginner/Novice

Important Information: Registering for a workshop indicates that the student is 19 years of age or older and understands that photographs/video may be taken during the event and their image may be used on Burritt on the Mountain’s website and social media outlets or other promotional materials. Registration also indicates that the student releases Burritt on the Mountain and the City of Huntsville, all their directors, employees, volunteers, and any persons associated with Burritt on the Mountain, from any liability for any bodily injury and/or property damage suffered by the attendee as a result of activities during the educational program.

Cancellation Policy:  Our workshops take a great deal of advanced planning and purchasing of supplies. 25% of all ticket purchases are a non-refundable deposit. Students cancelling 30 days or more prior to the date of the class will be eligible for a refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be issued less than 30 days from the start date of a class.*  To be fair and consistent, there can be no exceptions to this policy, regardless the reason a cancellation is requested.

Thank you for understanding that this policy is in place to protect our artist instructors who spend time, energy, and money to create an amazing learning experience. 

*We require a minimum number of students to hold a class. If this minimum is not met, the class may be cancelled or rescheduled. In this case, a full refund will be offered.