Hi JR,
I am curious if you found others in the Chicago area to learn from and share ideas with. I am also a beginner, and an architect who was just laid off after 20 years as a designer. In order to keep my mind balanced while I look for my next professional role, I'll be moving forward on a few sculpture ideas I've been planning for some time. I built a small forge during a forging class that I took at the School of the Art Institute several years ago. It has sat cold in my shed for too long. I am in Rolling Meadows but also downtown and throughout the suburbs on a regular basis if you or anyone else would like to touch base sometime.
Jeff
