Categories: Educational, Family Friendly, Interactive.
Location: Whiskey Barrel Forage.
Description: Born and raised in West Virginia, Ramon relocated to Nevada over ten years ago. Ramon became interested in blacksmithing from a historical and cultural perspective in his early teens. As a birthday gift in 2004, he attended the Appalachian Blacksmith Association’s Fall Conference/Hammer-In. Returning with an anvil, leg vise, and a handful of tools; Ramon started learning from books, the internet, and the school of hard knocks.
After 14 years of hobby status, blacksmithing, and pursuing other crafts and trades, in 2018, Ramon met a lifelong Ferrier named LeRoy “Doc” Dains. LeRoy became Ramon’s metal-moving mentor, and dear friend, pushing Ramon’s skills to a new level and giving him the confidence to show and promote his craft.
Ramon made the move to full-time blacksmith, craftsman, and artist in 2023 after finishing his education as the lead welder/fabricator at a large-scale production art company. He now teaches blacksmithing classes and demonstrates at several historic parks, such as the old Mormon Fort State Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he is the Lead instructor.
Working from his home shoppe, Ramon produces small to medium size home goods, décor, and outdoor art. His collaborative architectural blacksmithing work can be found throughout the Las Vegas area. Most notably, the entrance gate to Absinthe the Musical at Caesars Hotel and Casino.