insPYRE

05/05/2026

A welding school doesn't appear out of thin air.

It gets built. One piece at a time.

insPYRE's new shop only exists because YOU made it possible.

Every single donor, near and far, built this for Knoxville.

Follow along & ask your questions - there's a lot more coming!

04/26/2026

Sparks flew all Saturday at Dogwood Arts Festival with insPYRE! 🔥 From first-time welders to crowd reactions, these moments say it all.

Which photo is your favorite? Drop the slide number in the comments. 👇


Dogwood Arts The Maker City Knox Makers

04/25/2026

Heading to Dogwood Arts Festival today? Be sure to stop by the insPYRE booth to try your hand at welding - "Make & Take" projects are $20.

Sign your waiver now so you’re ready to weld with insPYRE: inspyre.us/waiver.

04/23/2026

Sparks flew last year. 🔥 This year, you step in.

insPYRE is bringing live metal builds to the Dogwood Arts Festival: real tools, real heat, real skill. And if you’re up for it, you won’t just watch… you’ll make something of your own.

Catch Master Welder Joe Hall inside the Maker Experience at World’s Fair Park on Saturday, April 26th from 10am -7pm.

Watch it. Try welding. Take it with you.
(Demos are free for all festival attendees. Passerby "Make & Take" projects are $20.)

Sometimes a line forms...please be patient!

👇 Tell us whether or not you're coming along...would you step up and weld, or are you staying behind the line?

Dogwood Arts The Maker City Knox Makers

04/20/2026

Sculptures spark conversation, but partnership is what turns that attention into meaningful change.

Check out this amazing recap from Inside of Knoxville on the inaugural ChainFree USA Ball - please leave a comment to show solidarity, too! 🐾

04/12/2026

The ChainFree USA Ball is officially SOLD OUT.

On April 18, something powerful is happening in the Crowne Plaza Knoxville.

Chains once used to tether dogs are being transformed live into sculpture - not just as art, but as action. Through insPYRE, you'll have a chance to purchase some of these pieces, turning something that once confined into direct funding for good. For charity.

That means more fences. More dogs off chains. More families supported.

This is what it looks like when creativity becomes impact.

Huge thanks to emcee Allyson Spellman, sponsor Tim's Fencing, Men of Valor, Jessica Weiss Jewelry & Studio and all the partners making this night possible...we can’t wait to showcase the fire that you’re part of.

And a new sculpture will soon be displayed in Downtown Knoxville - art is rising from what once held dogs back.

Are you heading to the Chainfree Ball? Give us a shout out in the comments!

03/29/2026

Time is nearly up...

If you're enrolled in Thrivent Choice® - you can make a real difference and IGNITE some fire in Knoxville before March 31st.

Every penny you donate will make a real difference to people in your community. Check out the link in the comments for how you can help insPYRE!

03/23/2026

Marisa Mitchell welds steel into stories. insPYRE ignites sparks into second chances.

On March 25, both collide at Pellissippi State Community College - Strawberry Plains Campus, when the ESAB North America Demobus rolls into Knoxville.

A mobile welding showroom. Live demos. Industry experts. A trophy built on site. A chance to win an ESAB Rogue EM 125.

Think you've got what it takes? Take part in the "One Hand One Pass" welding challenge to win the trophy the team will be making live on site - you'll own eternal bragging rights, too!

Come see what welding can do within the community - hope to see you there! 🔥🏆

03/08/2026

First time welding at Day in the Dirt Down South 2026.

Naturally Carson Brown starts with a trophy while Preston Farabow makes sure the sparks fly in the right direction.

That’s insPYRE - learning by doing.🔥🏆

12/08/2025

🔥 Chains break. Sparks fly. Get your tickets for the inaugural ChainFree USA Ball - we'll see you there.

A sculpture created by survivors and second-chancers.

Crafted from real chains removed from formerly tethered dogs.

A symbol of freedom for all.



Debuting at The ChainFree Ball.

You won’t want to miss this. 🔥🐾

Tickets can be purchased at https://ticketstripe.com/ChainFreeBall