Hi, Clay. You're in a great area to be a beginning blacksmith. It seems that Rolla is a regular hotbed of smithing activity. Tom Clark I believe, is in the Sikeston area, which isn't too far away. There's also the Den of Metal arts over toward Lebanon. The BAM website will put you in touch with many folks who can help you. Blacksmiths Association of Missouri
If you get to a hammer-in down there, say hi to my uncle, George Lewis of By George Forge. Best of luck.