I want to learn to blacksmith and have for a few years now but I just don't really know where to start. I feel like I could really benefit from having a mentor to guide me. Where should I look to find someone who might be willing to show me the ropes in exchange for help around the shop?

A few years ago when I first started becoming interested I built my own small forge from a recycled propane bottle. The feeling of having successfully manufactured something was really cool. I never made any work pieces with it since I didn't have an anvil or tongs, and when I moved I sold the forge. I'd like to get back into it and really figure it out this time though.

I'm a full time flight instructor and first time father so my time isn't unlimited, but I'm a good learner and a hard worker. Any advice would be appreciated. I also live in central IL, so if anyone is nearby to CU and sees this, let me know!

https://preview.redd.it/e0his9ruv0791.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27c41d677560db78bfb3dd58a78543dde5cc8111