The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym (PSG) has kept Kensington’s tradition of metalworking alive through art and DIY workshops for the community. Spirit News has covered events like their blacksmithing class, which was attended mostly by women and taught by PSG founder and artist Darla Jackson, as well as the “Fixer Fair”, which allowed anyone to bring a non functioning item to learn from an experienced “fixer” exactly how to repair it.

Jackson founded PSG in 2010 after receiving a Knights Art Grant. Since then, she has maintained a steady membership and has put on First Friday events (includig the Spirit News Upcycling Competition in February), as well as classes and workshops on various artistic and functional topics.

Sadly, PSG will be closing its doors for good after the building it occupies was sold. According to Jackson, she had initially hoped to relocate to a space in the area, comparable to PSG. “We were trying to work out getting to a place where it made sense for us to relocate,” Jackson said.

Increases in rental prices and the overall resurgence of Fishtown and areas of Kensington as a place to make money caused her not to be able to find what she desired in a part of the neighborhood with a long-term plan. “Do I continue and do this from scratch in a new space? Is it enough to sustain us through the first year?” Jackson said.

Jackson also points out that certain key members of PSG are also parting ways to pursue other ventures. According to Jackson, with these departures and the sale of the space, she had to ask herself if it was in her best interest to continue operating PSG. “Do I want to do this again without those people? The answer was no,” Jackson said.

On May 6, PSG held their final First Friday event. The featured medium was casting. For Jackson, the show reflected her journey at PSG coming full circle. Jackson is best known for her own castings. Acording to her, PSG’s first ever First Friday featured on exhibition of this medium, so it was fitting to end with an offering that also highlighted the style she has grown to love.

Jackson says she is currently looking into other options for the equipment and workshops that are currently at PSG. The items range from welding and blacksmithing equipment to fully operational wood and jewelry shops. Jackson hopes first that someone would be interested in reviving her business in a new space. According to her, she’s been talking to a few people about relocating within the neighborhood.

Another likely outcome of this situation is that the equipment and workshops will be separated and used individually for educational workshops. According to Jackson, there has been some interest in the jewelry and carpentry shop. Even though Jackson and PSG’s legacy may get broken up, she is ok with people learning from her items wherever they end up.

“I think even if it’s piecemealed, the spaces live on in a way that can educate people, that would be my ideal secondary situation,” Jackson said. “For me the most important thing is people learning how to do stuff.”

Jackson has remained positive through this process and is thankful for the support from the community. It’s difficult but we all get through it,” Jackson said. “Since I’ve announced it the support has been amazing.”

According to Jackson, she will miss the excitement of looking forward to the next project. “Every moment that we’ve made something here gorgeous, I just see the next step. Seeing those next steps has been one of my favorite things,” Jackson said.

Each event at PSG that Spirit News covered was about teaching people to do something that they might not have believed they were capable of. Jackson says sharing knowledge is the best way for her to continue PSG’s legacy.

“I like connecting people. I get excited about sharing ideas,” Jackson said. “I always tell people sometimes a ten minute conversation here will save you ten years worth of research and work and there’s no way you could have gotten to that point unless you’ve struggled through.”

Jackson believes she is still in the right place at the right time and that PSG’s closing is just another step in her life as an artist and educator. “I’m not going to stop doing what I do,” Jackson said. She will still be teaching at Fleischer Art Memorial in South Philly, but according to her, Fishtown is where she feels most passionate.

“I feel like Fishtown is a very DIY, creative community and that was why I wanted to stay here,” Jackson said. “There’s no huge funding behind everything. Were raising money and doing everything we can with what we’ve got. I feel like that energy is part of this neighborhood.”