Michael Saari
Michael Saari is a master metalsmith with 40 years of experience in forging, fabricating, and casting metals for hardware and sculpture. He was the lead shipsmith in the restoration of Mystic Seaport’s whaleship CHARLES MORGAN and was selected to crew on the bark’s 38th voyage along the New England coast in 2014. He has studied abroad and in the U.S., completing a master’s degree in Fine Art. Commissions have included a 20′ eyeglass sculpture commemorating American Optical, restoration of historic hardware at major museums, and demonstrations for educational purposes at numerous conferences. Having taught workshops in schools of handcraft in Scandinavia and the U.S., Michael most recently left teaching at Nichols College to accept a position as Blacksmith for the City of New York. A lifelong sailor, he has competed in the Star Class, restored a wooden Firefly, and has enjoyed teaching bronze casting at WoodenBoat School.