THE ARTISANS OUTREACH

THE ARTISANS OUTREACH

Owner, Kurt Ballash, with back to viewer, faces a group of woodworking workshop attendees, holding a piece of blue wood in his right hand.

The Artisans Outreach is a non-profit organization focused on training and providing mentorship to active duty soldiers, veterans, and their family members who seek to learn artisan skills and utilize creativity to find their purpose.

Close up of a person holding hand held woodworking towels.

"Woodworking is the grounding that has allowed me to heal from the cumulative effects of combat and service. Woodworking has provided me a sense of purpose, mental focus, and a feeling of accomplishment. Through the Artisans Outreach and veterans program at Ballash Woodworks, I hope to give back by teaching other service members, veterans, and their families the trade while providing a safe environment to heal."

— Kurt Ballash

Close up of a man's hand holding a wood working tool.

Register for discounted

workshops 

The Artisans Outreach is proud to offer Active Duty, Veterans, and their families the opportunity to attend a Create It! Workshop.

Once registered eligible individuals receive a discount to all future workshops. All registered individuals also have the opportunity to be selected to attend classes for FREE when sponsored seats become available

This project is supported by Ballash Woodworks, The Artisans Outreach, and our community of veterans and entrepreneurs.

  • Click the APPLY button below and complete the online application.

  • Once you've submitted your online application, you will receive a discount code to use on all future workshops you'd like to attend. Visit our WORKSHOPS page for upcoming workshops.

  • Our classes give you a truly pro-grade experience AND you leave with your own hand-made product and a whole new set of skills!

    ***(ID VERIFICATION AT CHECK-IN)

Make a donation.

Your donation provides a veteran with the gift of attending a free or discounted workshop to learn first hand a new skill. It also gives them an outlet, focus, and safe place to create and invest in something outside of themselves.

The goal of The Artisans Outreach is to teach and mentor as many veterans (and their families) as possible while encouraging a love and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Owner, Kurt Ballash, with back to viewer, faces a group of woodworking workshop attendees, holding a piece of blue wood in his right hand.
Closeup of two military members in uniform, touch forearms with hand closed in a loose fist.

SPONSOR A VETERAN

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SPONSOR A VETERAN ~

  • Owner, Kurt Ballash, standing in front of machine in the workshop, teaching workshop attendees.

    TRAINING.

    We have trained hundreds of individuals in the art of woodworking. In collaboration with local organizations and higher education institutions, we ensure students and military affiliates have access to learn from a master-skill craftsman. We provide access to our shop and tools as a resource for those seeking to learn the process of woodworking.

  • Owner, Kurt Ballash, talking to a young adult and a youth in the woodworking workshop.

    MENTORSHIP.

    In a strong effort to rekindle the craftsman roots in our local city, we started The Artisans Outreach. Its purpose is to inspire others to learn the skill and hard work that goes into woodworking. This trade is becoming more scarce and we want to restore a love for the artisan professions. We want others to feel connected to a community of creatives and craftsmen.

  • A group of more than 20 workshop attendees pose in front of shelves of wood plans in the workshop, holding their completed cutting boards.

    COMMUNITY.

    Giving back to the community is a part of our core values as we seek to invest in both our military, students, and our fellow artisans. In conjunction with local grants, we provide free workshops to qualified military, veterans, and their families. In addition, our priority is bringing awareness to the skills and benefits of learning the trade.

Variety of cutting boards of varying sizes and designs propped up for display on a table.

  • During the consultation, we'll go over your ideas, cost and schedule your shop time.

  • We'll work together to design and draw the plans for your handcrafted custom piece.

  • You will be fully guided through all steps of your project to help build your woodworking skills and handcrafted custom piece.

  • Once finished and you stand before your wood design creation, you are guaranteed to feel a sense of accomplishment. You build this with your bare hands, perseverance, and vision.

    Take it home, put it in a perfect spot, and admire your hard work.

Every skill level is welcome

From novice to expert, we welcome all levels of artisans. We don’t care if you have never touched a saw or stained a piece of wood. We all have to start somewhere and we are just thankful you are starting your journey with us.

The benefits of learning the trade go beyond building a wood design. You will learn about patience, planning, creativity, and most important that you are an artisan.

Come into our shop and you will find a welcoming team whose sole purpose is designing and building for others. The only thing we ask is you do your best, don’t give up, and believe you are capable of creating beautiful work.