Mines hosts national ABANA conference events

Please see the press release from the school about their involvement in this year's conference:

http://news.sdsmt.edu/press/196317/

It was a great team effort!

A Fitting Close to a Great Conference

The last day of this year's ABANA Conference was full of the conflicting emotions being together with old friends, and getting ready to leave those same friends, will bring to the surface.  Some sadness, much more happiness as the past four days are reviewed.

 

Following a great dinner which included buffalo and a spread of desserts aimed directly at the waist (few cared as they filled their plates) and just before the auction a passing thunderstorm left a glowing rainbow arching across the fairgrounds.  It was a fitting end to the gathering and a promise of more good things to come.

Rob Fertner signed his winning poster entry, which later was a highlight of early auction action.

The Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths finished their Skandanavian door.

Jim Garrison picked the first winning ticket in the Iron-In-The-Hat drawing.  All three winners not being in attendance, President Peyton Anderson called them in Texas, Pennsylvania and Rapid City respectively.  

Arrangements for delivery were quickly made.

Four full days of massive collective effort produced the beautiful sculpture which Claudio Bottero designed and directed.  It was the center of attention in the dinning hall.

Look for more details on this incredible conference in the upcoming issues of the Anvil's Ring.

The Fun Continues in Rapid City

Lee Gunderson, from Buffalo, Wyoming, summed up the value of the teaching tent when he said, "You can watch all you want, it's getting hands-on experience that teaches best."  He was taking a class from Mark Aspery in chisel making .  

Earlier in the day Gerald Boggs had his class turning out workable wizard head bottle openers.

 

Another bloom was cooking Friday at the iron smelting demonstration.  Lee Sauder had made a sculpture from the first bloom.

 

Claudio Bottero's team is in the final stages of forging his giant sculpture.  Ribs were being fitted this afternoon.

 

Rod Lange pointed out the titanium nail on the nail tree while he helped pound in son Scott's large and fancy nail.  The tree is near the fine arts center, which houses this convention's gallery.

It was another great day in Rapid City!

Even 105 Degrees Can't Slow Down this year's ABANA Conference!

Under the direction of Claudio Bottero an eight man crew forged through three sessions to bring shape to the giant sculpture he had designed.  

Moving big iron in the photo and a very short video to give a sense of the sound, and cadance, of multiple large hammers swung by a well coordinated crew.

Lenny Ledet drew a crowd for the first iron-in-the-hat drawings, a task he will happily continue Friday and Saturday.  Lenny was recognized at the opening ceremonies Thursday evening for the many years he has coordinated these drawings and for the many thousands of dollars he has brought into the ABANA scholarship program.

POMMs - the Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths - also devoted the day to their project, building a Scandanavian door.  Tina Chisena was watched closely by a group as she etched finishing details in figures which will be used on the door.

The gallery reception and official opening began at 6.  Very large crowd.  Walking around the grounds we all see extraordinary works coming together, but to view so many beautiful, completed pieces in one space is a treat for the senses.  Spend some time in the gallery before you leave.

The team led by Lee Sauder, Shel Browder and Steve Mankowski who started building a smelting furnace yesterday created their first bloom today, pulling out the hot chunk of new iron about 3:30.  Another smelt will take place Friday and result in a forged axe.

As you can tell from this amazing array of activities, the 2012 ABANA Conference in Rapid City is a great place to be.

School of Mines Lecture Schedule

At this years ABANA Conference, lots of exciting things are going on at the School of Mines, so make sure not to miss those events!

The schedule highlights for the next couple days are:

Thursday
10 AM – Student Success in Blacksmithing at SDSM&T (Classroom Building – Room 204)
1 PM - Tour Metallurgy Dept
2 PM - Cocktail Napking to CAD Workshop (Classroom Building – Room 326)
2 PM - Tour Metallurgy Dept
3 PM – Tour Metallurgy Dept

Friday
10 AM – Smithbusting – Science of Blacksmithing (Classroom Building – Room 204)
1 PM - Tour Metallurgy Dept
2 PM - Steelmaking for the non-metalllurgist (Classroom Building – Room 204)
2 PM - Tour Metallurgy Dept
3 PM – Tour Metallurgy Dept

Shuttles will be running back and forth from the college to the Fairgrounds continuously and will usually leave from the Fairgrounds around 15 minutes prior to each event.

Forges, iron and conference all heat up today

There were lines at the registration desk most of today as a majority of the expected 800 attendees arrived through the day.  Demonstrators set out their equipment and tools.  Many began forging and instructing soon after the opening ceremonies were over.

Highlighting the opening ceremonies were the presentations of the Alex Bealer Award, two were given, and the Joe Humble award.  Daryl Nelson and Toby Hickman were honored by the ABANA membership for their years of contribution to blacksmithing.  Each a Bealer Award recipient.   Chris Holt was the Joe Humble winner.

A stunning table of beautifully crafted copper and silver vessels greats you in the Northwest corner of the grounds where the Abdon Punzo family is demonstrating their mastry of metal work.

At the exact opposite corner of the fairgrounds the furnace for making an iron bloom was in its first firing stages, being readied to make it's first smelt Thursday about mid-day.

Nearby Jill Turman has begun an art project which looks very much like a large wall decoration, though we didn't ask her about specifics.  You can see for yourself if you visit her demo area between one and four Thursday.

And finally, Claudio Bottero and his large team have embarked on a huge piece which they will be forging all of the day Thursday. 

Preparing the Site

The 2012 ABANA Conference is well underway for the setup crew and the demonstrators are working feverishly to finalize their preparation for the big event.

It was the day before the conference started, but Nathan "I am not an artist" Robertson had a dozen blacksmiths ringing anvils in his hammer making class.  Just so nice, as you walk onto the grounds, to see forges aglow, hear hammers pounding.

Nathan is on the right in the photo above

Take some time before you leave to head over to the Apex Gallery at the school of mining.  Ellen Durkan's exhibit looks at the hard side of women's fashion with larger-than-life wire and iron sculptures of dresses and shoes that look like they could have come out of an ancient torture chamber or off the pages of a new-age comic book.  If you need another inducement the gallery is air conditioned.

Ran into Eric Green, he of the well-tended mustache, who noted that he'd been to every conference since Albany.  We figured that went back about twenty years.  Let us know what your earliest ABANA conference was by commenting below.

Conference Gallery - Reception Tuesday July 17, 2012

The Gallery  in the Fine Arts Building at the Central States Fairgrounds will be open to the public to showcase the work of our members.

If you're attending the conference (or even if you aren't) please consider submitting an example or two of your work to the gallery.

We're not only looking for items to display but also donated items for the conference auction.

Click here to download the Gallery Application Package: Gallery Application and Agreement

There will also be a “walk-in” area along with tables will be available there for business card exchange and for participants to display their portfolios.

Apex Gallery

Located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will have a gallery reception on Tuesday July 17, 2012.

Ellen Durkan from Delaware will be the featured artist: EllenDurkan.com

Some examples of Ellen's Work:
    

Rapid City Area Info

Click on Map to View Full Size

Click on Map to View Full Size

ABANA 2012 Conference is almost here!

We will be at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota this week - July 18-21, 2012

The Conference will start in: 02 Days, 20 Hours, 34 Minutes, and 51 Seconds from NOW!!! See you soon!!

Opening ceremonies will be on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Central States Fairgrounds. We will also use some facilities at the adjacent South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for lectures and a focused exhibit at the Apex gallery on campus.

2012 ABANA Conference Schedule (Rapid City, SD)

Conference Schedule of Events 

(click on the table below to view larger)

Thursday through Saturday will be full days of forging demonstrations and excitement ABANA style. Saturday will conclude with a banquet and the conference auction. The site is within a few miles of thousands of reasonably priced hotel rooms and amazing family recreation opportunities. Camping and RV hook-ups will be available on site, as well as dorm room accommodations will be available at the School of Mines.

ABANA Conference Opening Demonstration Announcement

In furthering ABANA's goal of perpetuating the noble art of blacksmithing, by promoting blacksmithing to youth, we have added a "Youth Showcase" Demonstration to our slate of Opening Demonstrations on Wednesday evening.  Alec Steele, Daniel Riffe, and Kainon Baumer make up an international striking team which will put on both an entertaining and educational show to help open our 2012 conference. This team of three teens, all exceptionally talented behind the anvil through the tutelage of Brian Brazeal, will show what they know in dramatic form.    This is a first for these three young men and for ABANA as well. Young, old, beginner, and veteran smith will all walk away from this demo with a smile on their face, new techniques in hand, and comforted by the thought that blacksmithing is staying alive in their youthful hands. Bring your family in for this demonstration. It may even inspire your own youngsters to come out to the shop, or inspire you to recruit a few enthusiastic youths in your area who want to learn blacksmithing!   ABANA is taking an active role in supporting our youth through the development of our youth membership and now in this showcase demonstration. We are focused on preserving the traditions of the blacksmith through study of the past and the preservation of future smiths in the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experience. Come and be a part of history and ABANA's future at this Opening Demonstration at the 2012 Conference. Only 5 Days Left to Register and Save $50.00    The 2012 ABANA Conference is almost here.  Register before June 20th and save $50.00.  After June 20, 2012 a $50.00 late registration fee will be added to the registration cost.    ABANA 2012 Conference  July 18 - 21, 2012  Central States Fairgrounds  800 San Francisco St.  Rapid City South Dakota 57701 ABANA 2012 Conference Information Register Now   (before 20 June) to avoid the $50.00 Late Fee   Registration Fee - $275 Per Person - $225 for ABANA Members   After June 20, 2012:  Registration Fee - $325 Per Person - $275 for ABANA Members    Family members - $25 each for Spouse and Children 12- 17 (Under 12 Free) Day Passes - $75.00 - Available at the Gate Your ABANA Membership ID is required to Register at the Member Rate.   Don't know have you ID?    Have it sent to you by email:  Get Membership ID  Or Call the Central Office (423)913-1022 Register Now!  I can't make it  If you don't want to register online, you can also: Download a Registration Form and mail it along with your payment to the ABANA Central Office.

Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America | 259 Muddy Fork Road | Jonesborough | TN | 37659

Winning ABANA Conference Poster Announced!

Congratulations to Rob Fertner for  creating this year's winning conference poster! Rob recieved 2 free passes to the conference

The 2012 ABANA Conference is almost here.  Register before Jun3 20th and save $50.00.  After June 20, 2012 a $50.00 late registration fee will be added to the registration cost. Register Now  Conference Deomonstrator Update:   Due to health concerns, Ed Caffery will not be attending and demonstrating at the conference. Please keep him in your thoughts for a speedy recovery. For updates visit his blog:    http://themontanabladesmith.blogspot.com/  ABANA 2012 Conference  July 18 - 21, 2012  Central States Fairgrounds  800 San Francisco St.  Rapid City South Dakota 57701    ABANA 2012 Conference Information Register Now (before 20 June) to avoid the $50.00 Late Fee   Registration Fee - $275 Per Person - $225 for ABANA Members   After June 20, 2012:  Registration Fee - $325 Per Person - $275 for ABANA Members    Family members - $25 each for Spouse and Children 12- 17 (Under 12 Free) Day Passes - $75.00 - Available at the Gate Your ABANA Membership ID is required to Register at the Member Rate.   Don't know have you ID?    Have it sent to you by email:  Get Membership ID  Or Call the Central Office (423)913-1022 Register Now!  I can't make it  If you don't want to register online, you can also Download a Registration Form and mail it along with your payment to the ABANA Central Office.

Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America | 259 Muddy Fork Road | Jonesborough | TN | 37659

ABANA Conference Update

Dear Fellow Blacksmiths, The 2012 ABANA Conference comes at a time when the current economic situation continues to challenge all of us. We are faced with difficult choices in our spending habits. This year our Conference has been reshaped in order to fit with the times so that it can be a success. ABANA depends upon educating members and expanding our blacksmithing family to be able to preserve and promote our craft. Our 2012 Conference is dedicated to sharing knowledge of technical, aesthetic and business aspects of the craft for beginners to established professionals. First, the destination is at the premier vacation area of United States. Second, we are holding it at a site that permits car/tent camping and has RV hook ups. Third we are working with the South Dakota School of Mines to "bundle" the food and housing services that were a big part of previous ABANA conferences. These factors and more will hold the cost down for the majority of our members. However, we need your help to continue to keep the cost down so that we can create a great event at low cost to all blacksmiths and families. If you can't make it to South Dakota your support can and would be welcome. Many types of support are possible to ensure that we have a spectacular event: "Iron in the Hat" Thanks to several generous donors we have secured the "big ticket" items for the raffle. However, we are in desperate need of tools for the "Bam Box". A few dedicated members have already promised some items, but we need more. Items for the daily IITH are a welcome as well. The net proceeds of this event will fund ABANA's scholarships and grants program. Sponsorships will help defray expenses. Sponsorship of Conference Venues and Activities All monetary support is gladly welcomed! Your name or business can be displayed in our program for sponsoring a tent, venue, support crew, demonstrator, program, or other needed functions. Reimbursement of our costs is greatly appreciated. Even if we can't create signage, we will acknowledge all donors in the program. Gallery and Auction The gallery will be open to all persons that would like to display their work. Contact George Matthews at GeorgeMatthews@abana.org for information about the gallery. ABANA would appreciate if you donate your work to the auction to help offset our operating expenses. This is a very good way to get your name and work exposure to the public. Thank you for your support. Lance Davis and Jack Parks 2012 Conference Co-Chairs For more information, please contact: LanceDavis@abana.org or 423-913-1015 CentralOffice@abana.org or 423-913-1022 ABANA 2012 Conference  July 18 - 21, 2012  Central States Fairgrounds  800 San Francisco St.  Rapid City South Dakota 57701  ABANA 2012 Conference Information Register Now to avoid the $50.00 Late Fee   Registration Fee - $275 Per Person - $225 for ABANA Members (If paid before June 20, 2012) Family members - $25 each for Spouse and Children 12- 17 (Under 12 Free) Day Passes - $75.00 - Available at the Gate Your ABANA Membership ID is required to Register at the Member Rate.   Don't know have you ID?    Have it sent to you by email:  Get Membership ID Or Call the Central Office (423)913-1022 Register Now! I can't make it If you don't want to register online, you can also Download a Registration Form and mail it along with your payment to the ABANA Central Office.

Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America | 259 Muddy Fork Road | Jonesborough | TN | 37659

2012 Conference Demonstrators

2012 Conference Demonstrators

International Demonstrators:

Claudio Bottero - Blacksmith – Italy

Claudio Bottero will be working by hand and power hammer with a team of blacksmiths to create a large sculpture.

Some examples of Claudio's Work
    

Håvard Bergland - Blacksmith / Knifemaker – Norway

Håvard Bergland will make a true Viking Axe. Håvard’s book, that has been translated into English, will be for sale.

Some examples of Håvard's Work
 

Becky Little - Nova Scotia, Canada      Website: Dragonfly Forge

Becky Little will create a coat rack with her whimsical style. I cannot wait to see what else she has prepared for us!

    

Punzo Family Copper Smiths:

6 members of the Punzo/Angel Family from Mexico : Abdon Sr, Carlos, Abdon Jr, Felipe, Marcos

Coppersmiths will take scrap copper and turn it into beautiful copper vessels. All work is done by hand with very few tools.

   

Knife Makers:

Ed Caffrey, ABS Master - MT      Website: "The Montana Bladesmith"
  

Ed Fowler, ABS Master - WY      Website: Ed Fowler High Performance Knives
  


Kirk Rexroat, ABS Master -WY      Website: Rexroat Knives
   

Knife Makers will demo:

Making and patterning a damascus billet,

Making Mokume Gane ( Copper, Brass, Nickel Silver )

They will also be demonstrating other interesting and exciting variations of knives.

Artistic Smithing:

Jill Turman - CA      Website: Bella Ironworks
 

Traditional / Sculptural:

Brian Brazeal - MS      Website: http://www.myspace.com/brazealbrothers
Lyle Wynn (Brian's helper) - MS

Brian Brazeal and his assistant Lyle Wynn will do some hard hitting to make hammers and tooling.

Iron Smelt:

      Lee Sauder - VA
      Steve Mankowski - VA
      Shel Browder - VA

The Smelt Team will be building a furnace on site. The first smelt will be on Thursday along with a talk about theory on site. Friday will be the second smelt. The first bloom will be transformed in to sculptural piece; the second one will be made into steel and forged into an axe. Two smelts will give everyone a chance to see the process.

    

Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths:

    
         Tom Latane - WI               Pete Renzetti - DE           Michael McCarthy - NY         Tina Chisena - MD                Carl Close Jr - MA

The Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths will be making a Scandinavian style door with hardware. They will be available to answer questions as they work

Teaching Station

Mark Aspery - CA
Darryl Nelson - WA
Gerald Boggs - VA

They will have the teaching station well staffed. The guys will be instructing the National Curriculum along with other projects.

Hammer Making Class

Nathan Robertson -

Nathan Robertson will be hosting a hammer making class, each participant will take home a hammer. There is an additional fee for this class.