Testimonials:
Nonnewaug High School Student Workshop
5/19/25
Erich came to Nonnewaug High School to work with 20 students to lead a hands-on workshop led as a blacksmith and welder. He guided the students in crafting personalized keepsakes—copper bracelets for the young women and stainless steel marshmallow skewers for the young men. Erich is not only a skilled artisan but also a gifted teacher. He understands the deep, symbolic value in his craft and uses it to inspire students to connect with artistry, resilience, and creativity. After a successful career in commission work, Erich has discovered a renewed passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with the next generation. We are grateful for his presence and the wisdom he shared. It made our celebration not just memorable, but truly meaningful.
-Genna Riggi, Region 14, CT
Amity High School Teachers Workshop
12/5/2024
A small group of high school teachers participated in a forging workshop earlier this school year. The workshop was designed to teach the basics of working with a forge, as the teachers plan to introduce forging into their comprehensive program. The insights shared by Erich, along with the essential safety protocols, exceeded our expectations.
Erich began by explaining the different types of forges, the properties of various metals, and how they react to heat. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the process. Working with a forge as a group of six proved to be incredibly valuable, especially when considering how students will interact with it in the classroom. We quickly learned the importance of organizing our materials in the forge and moving through each step of the process in an efficient order.
Even more rewarding was the chance to take home our creations: a marshmallow skewer and a bottle opener. While these items may seem simple to make, the skills required to craft them were far more complex than we anticipated. Learning from someone who practices forging every day provided us with a new appreciation for the skill involved in creating forged metal pieces, and deepened our respect for the art form itself.
Beyond the technical skills, the workshop also helped us build stronger bonds as a team. We collaborated, supported each other, and cheered each other on when challenges arose. We left the workshop not only with new knowledge but also with a sense of accomplishment and shared memories that we, as colleagues, will cherish and laugh about in the future.
Sincerely,
Ed Rostowsky
Career and Technology Education
Amity High School
Stanley Black and Decker Corporate Team Building Workshop
10/28/24
We recently had the pleasure of participating in a team building workshop led by the incredible Erich Davis, and it was nothing short of fantastic! From start to finish, Erich engaged us with creative activities that not only brought our team closer together but also inspired us to think outside the box.
Erich's dynamic approach and infectious enthusiasm made the entire experience enjoyable and impactful. He has a unique ability to connect with each participant, fostering an environment where everyone felt comfortable to share and collaborate. His leadership skills are truly exceptional, guiding us through exercises that were both fun and insightful.
The workshop not only strengthened our team dynamics but also equipped us with valuable skills that we can apply in our daily work. We left feeling motivated, united, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
I would highly recommend Erich Davis to any organization looking to enhance their team cohesion and creativity. His workshops are a must-experience for anyone seeking to elevate their team's performance and morale.
Thank you, Erich, for an unforgettable experience!
Casey Kelly - Stanley Black and Decker
In Krisa’s Custom Experience we made a fireplace claw!
Working with metal was something I really wanted to check off my bucket list and it was definitely worth it working with Erich. We had a great day together and I learned a lot. It was fascinating to learn all about metal and heating it up and manipulating it into something totally usable. I think welding the metal was my favorite part. I would totally recommend this class and I’m looking forward to taking another.
—Krisa, Trumbull, CT
My wife had asked me what I wanted me for my birthday. I told her I wanted a fire poker. She decided instead of just buying me one she would surprise me with the opportunity to make my own. She set me up with an afternoon with Erich, who offers this safe and socially distanced activity. Over an afternoon he guided me in making progressively more complex creations ending with my very own fire poker. Erich was a patient and fun teacher!
—Dan, Woodbridge, CT