After Penland I headed for Grand Marais, MN on the north shore of Lake Superior to the Grand Marais Art Colony for a five day workshop on drawing. After that I headed to Pigeon Lake just outside of Drummond, WI for a seven day class on blacksmithing. Pigeon Lake is an old post-depression CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) camp. It is still very authentic (albeit rustic) containing many of the original buildings which are in good shape. Yes, it sits on Pigeon Lake. It is now owned by the University of Wisconsin system and administered by UW-River Falls. They have added a couple of newer structures that function as classrooms and workshops. The UW campuses offer a variety of classes in the summer. These classes by the way are one of the biggest bargains going, including instruction, room, and board well below what you will find anywhere else. The blacksmithing class was taught by Ron Verdon of UW-Stout. Ron is a super guy, great teacher, and a lot of fun. Most of my classmates were non-students that keep coming back year after year because they enjoy Ron, the class, and the surrounds. Ron's challenge to us was to try and find the essence of what it is we wished to portray, and express that. This assemblage of "Leaves" is the result of my efforts.