I am about to graduate from the Maine College of Art, and I applied for much the same reasons as you seem to be interested in. My opinion is that art schools will teach you design and concept very well. My design has improved tremendously over the past four years. They don't seem to have as heavy an emphasis on technique (though you will be expected to make work well), although the crafts majors (ceramics, wood, metalsmithing) will teach technique as well since it is key. However, the emphasis will most likely be on design. There are a few schools that offer blacksmithing, MECA sort of does in that they have some forges and anvils but no teacher or classes specifically for it. We do however have a class on traditional silversmithing/coppersmithing and other neat skills like raising, forming, finishing, etc. Massachusetts College of Art has the facilities and some classes on blacksmithing I believe (though MECA has 24/7 access to the studios as well as private studios for majors, neither of which are offered by Mass. Art I believe). The Appalachian Center for Craft sounds really good, I looked into it a bit though I haven't been there - I wish they offered an MFA program. At any rate, school is really great for getting feedback from a diverse group, which is extremely useful. Going in with an idea of what you want to do, and a skill set will be very very good - if you already have the basic skills for your work then you can really focus on improving your technique, design and thinking conceptually (a challenge but worthwhile). You will be pushed to explore and try new things, which can sometimes be frustrating but is also a good thing. Many art schools are based on the Bauhaus curriculum - your first two years are focused on the basics of 2D design, 3D design, art history, and a few studio electives, then you enter a specific major for your last two years. In summary, if you are considering it I would definitely recommend going to art school - good design can be harder to develop than technique, in my personal opinion (and not that both aren't valuable). Consider this - you get to the point where you can technically make anything, but what do you make?
Also, consider applying for scholarships/work study to places like Touchstone Center for Craft, Haystack Mountain School of Craft, and other places like that - very helpful.
Keep in mind that this is my perspective as a soon-to-be graduate without the benefit of hindsight or extensive experience in blacksmithing, so my opinion is subject to change or being wrong, haha.
Good luck!
