Cricket Forge
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Expressive steel pieces, built to be used and remembered. 1987 → Francis Vega and Neal Carlton formed Vega Metals, Inc. in downtown Durham, NC.
The company was prolific, conceptualizing and producing thousands of site-specific architectural metalworks. They were featured in numerous trade publications and received seven international awards for metalwork.
1999 → The Vega team formed Cricket Forge to branch out creatively, and focused on a production line of handcrafted indoor and outdoor furnishings. Many of the products quickly became nationally recognized, and still are to this day. Lifelong friendships and collaborations were forged in the spirit of creativity and the appreciation of sharing art. Sadly, in 2013, Francis passed away to cancer. The company continued on, lovingly, via Neal Carlton, and Francis’ wife, Cindy.
2018 → The Cricket Forge torch was passed to employees Jonathan Paschall, Aaron Earley, and James Dudley. They continue the decades-long focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
2019 → After nearly 30 years downtown, Cricket Forge moved to a newer and larger facility in Durham. In this space, the team has newfound room and inspiration to keep producing the pieces you love, while also designing new and exciting products.
Turns out, llamas make excellent bike racks.
The Cricket Forge team built and installed these six custom steel llamas for Atlas Apartments in Durham back in 2022, finished in five colors to match their branding.
Have an idea that’s a little out of the ordinary? We’d love to hear it.
09/25/2026
Tryon Palace’s The Art of Crafting Lives: Hands of the Past, Voices of the Future.
Inspired by Catherine W. Bishir’s book, “Crafting Lives: African American Artisans in New Bern, North Carolina, 1770–1900,” this installation honors the history of Black artisans — both free and enslaved — whose skill, work, and craftsmanship helped shape New Bern.
Bringing the vision to life required its own kind of craft. Behind the finished piece was an incredible amount of engineering, geometry, problem-solving, and hands-on collaboration — from early schematics and 3D drawings through fabrication and installation.
The finished sculpture takes the form of an Afro-futuristic portal, connecting past and future through both art and technology. The installation is interactive, using augmented reality to help visitors explore and learn more about the history behind the piece.
We’re proud to have played a part in creating something that honors the hands of the past while carrying their stories into the future.
09/08/2026
We decided one more day felt right.
Our End of Summer Sale has been extended through today, giving you one last chance to save 20% sitewide before it officially comes to a close.
Thank you for spending another season with us.
Only 3 days left of our ONLY sale of the year. Take 20% off through Labor Day. A rare chance to save on something made to last.
08/30/2026
Consider this your reminder. 👀
Our annual End of Summer Sale is underway, with 20% off through September 7. It only happens once a year. Consider this your reminder. 👀
Our annual End of Summer Sale is underway, with 20% off through September 7. It only happens once a year.
In case you haven’t heard, we’re running our only sale of the year now through labor day. 20% off the entire site 👀
Once a year, we make an exception.
Our End of Summer Sale starts now. Take 20% off everything through Labor Day, September 7.
If there’s a piece you’ve had your eye on, now’s the time.
Set your alarm 👀
08/07/2026
Africa to Carolina is North Carolina’s first public artwork commemorating the history of African disembarkation along the state’s coast.
Installed at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Winnabow, the work acknowledges one of the state’s most obscured histories while honoring the resilience, lives, and lasting legacy of those who were forcibly brought from Africa to North Carolina through the transatlantic slave trade. The project grew from years of research, community engagement, and descendant-informed collaboration.
It was an honor for Cricket Forge to help bring this important work into the landscape.
Created by artists Stephen Hayes and David Wilson, with bronze casting by Carolina Bronze, Cricket Forge provided the modeling, steel fabrication, and installation. The project was made possible through the support of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in partnership with the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site.
07/23/2026
Summer ‘26 ☀️👌
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2314 Operations Drive
Durham, NC
27705
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| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
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